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MP 'gobsmacked' as doctor flattens sand dune
I HAVEN'T done anything wrong – it's my land.
Brian Newman, of North Promenade, near Bentinck Road, has bulldozed a 30ft section of the St Annes sand dunes opposite his home.
The surgeon, who works at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, claims additional sand has been dumped on the dunes by Fylde Council and that he has returned the site to its original state.
He said: "I have not altered a sand dune, I have altered a man-made sandcastle, an indiscriminate dumping ground for the council.
"The area opposite residents' houses on this block belongs to the resident, so it's my land."
Mr Newman now plans to plant grass in the expanse opposite him home.
He said: "It looks bare at the moment, but I will replant grass in the natural dunes I have created, by moving the sand further down the beach.
"If you look at the natural dunes, from the pumping station to the pier, I have recreated this. The dunes here stand further down the beach, with a flat grassy area in front.
"Sand is already blown from the top of the dunes and creates problems for roofing.
"I would like to see other people on North Promenade do the same."
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Fylde Council launched a scheme to protect the St Annes sand dunes in October last year.
Residents were sent a letter asking for their cooperation.
Wildlife experts say the dunes are a natural sea defence – which has now been badly damaged.
Peter Mallon, communications officer for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: "We have a joint plan with Fylde Council, to protect these dunes, for a reason.
"Many conservation areas arise from unnatural causes, such as post-industrial sites, but his does not mean we don't want to conserve them once they become valuable natural resources.
"The houses are opened up to flooding now. The new dunes he built will simply collapse – it would be a complete disaster if anyone followed suit."
Michael Jack MP said: "I was gobsmacked by the fact this has been done and we need to get expert advice into the affect of this man's actions.
"This is part of the natural habitat of the Fylde coast."
Mr Jack said he has been working with the council and wildlife associations to broker a proper response to the sand dunes and an environmental plan had been devised and conservation officer appointed.
He now plans to make representations to Natural England, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Regional Envoironmental Agency and request them to make an early inspection of what has occured and what affect it will have on flooding and wildlife.
And Fylde Council urged anyone thinking of bulldozing the sand dunes opposite their homes to consult with them first.
Residents are also furious the sand dune has been bulldozed. Donald Hamer, who is retired and lives close to Mr Newman, said: “He has shown complete disregard for the sand dunes project.
“There’s a big gaping hole, and it looks a mess.
“At the weekend I saw two diggers hacking the dune to pieces and I couldn’t believe it.”
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
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