News 4

Coastal fears eased after minister visit

10 September 2010

COASTAL campaigners were left hopeful for the future after a government minister saw first hand how erosion is eating into the region's shores.

Richard Benyon, of Defra, paid a visit to Scratby, Winterton and Hopton among other spots while on his fact-finding mission to the Norfolk coast on Friday.

And while there, he heard from pressure groups about the ongoing fight to protect coastal communities in an era of government austerity.

Brian Hardisty is chairman of Hopton's coastal erosion group and has fought against proposals to leave the area unprotected.

He was left reassured by the attitude of the new junior minister, who took note of his fears regarding the suggested impact of the outer Harbour on Hopton beach, and said:

“He showed great interest, picked up on points and asked questions that showed he was developing an opinion.

“This minister appears to have a will to do something about Hopton beach and stop properties falling into the sea. His attitude seems to be stronger than we have seen and heard before.

“I got the feeling that if there was money on the table a solution could be found to Hopton's beach and erosion problems.”

Mr Hardisty said that the next key decision would come when Great Yarmouth Borough Council considered the Shoreline Management Plan, which recommends no active intervention for the area.

Also heartened by meeting with Mr Benyon was Jim Bratton, secretary of the Scratby Coastal Erosion Group, who said that before the visit he and others were concerned about what stance the new government might take on the issue.

“We explained to him our situation and let him see for himself, and it seems that the government is taking it seriously. We hope to work with them.”

Currently the Environment Agency are looking at proposals to extend the rock berm project from the cliffs at California a further kilometre to Scratby.

Now set to be joint chairman of an all party group on coastal erosion, Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis was also present on the day.

Mr Lewis said that it was important the minister “got to see it with his own eyes” before adding: “We're about to go into a spending review and we will have to make savings. We definately have to make the case that, in terms of coastal erosion, the savings to be made are on the bureaucracy surrounding the issue.”

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