Beach shingle replenishment to reduce flood risk

Shingle replenishment work is being carried out on a stretch of beach in West Sussex.

Recent storms and gales eroded some of a shingle beach in Lancing which provided a soft engineered flood defence, the Environment Agency said.

As a result, up to 20,000 tonnes of shingle will be moved from Shoreham Fort to the eroded areas at Widewater at Lancing Beach Green to maintain protection to local homes and businesses.

The work will be carried out throughout January.

The work to recycle the shingle follows consultation between Shoreham Port Authority, Adur District Council and the Local Nature Reserve.

Nick Gray, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager, said: "During the stormy winter months, it is essential that the shingle beach is maintained to ensure it continues to provide significant protection to homes and businesses in Shoreham and Lancing.

"Sea levels are projected to rise by over one metre in the south of England over this century, and with more frequent powerful storms also predicted, the risk of increased coastal erosion and flooding is likely."

Approximately 20,000 tonnes of shingle will be moved from Shoreham to Worthing, which would be enough shingle to fill the Royal Albert Hall three times over, the Environment Agency said.

The shingle is loaded into dump trucks by an excavator, which then transport the material along the beach frontage to where it is needed.

Bulldozers then position the material into the beach profile.

The beach will remain open while the work is carried out, but the Environment Agency is urging the public to be cautious and keep a safe distance from working machinery.

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