First consultation meeting this week over the 16 new rock groynes planned for North Blackpool & Bispham

The first public drop-in session for the Blackpool Bispham Coast protection will take place this week.

Residents are invited to meet the project team and learn more about the scheme on Thursday, June 4 between 1pm and 4pm at Blackpool Central Library.

Plans for the proposed Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme recently launched along with a consultation survey, giving residents the chance to see the plans and have their say.

This drop-in session is the first of three, with the others set for Wednesday 17 June 4pm to 7pm at St Stephen on the Cliffs, and Wednesday 24 June 4pm-7pm at Cavendish Road Recreation Ground.

The Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme will help safeguard the coastline at North Shore and Bispham from erosion and prevent homes being lost to the sea.

The proposed scheme would see 16 rock groynes built along the beach in two areas – from Cocker Square (just north of North Pier) to Gynn Square, and from Bispham to Little Bispham.

Rock groynes are used across the UK and around the world to tackle coastal erosion and strengthen flood defences. They work with natural coastal processes, trapping and retaining sand to create a series of headlands along the shore.

These headlands help stabilise the beach, reducing erosion and preventing existing sea defences from being undermined.

Council bosses said rock groynes are safely used in the UK and internationally to help tackle coastal erosion and are proven to be an effective solution. They trap and retain sand on the beach and can also support local biodiversity by creating new habitats.

However, concerns have been raised by local councillors and the RNLI who fear the groynes could even undermine vital rescue missions.

Blackpool Council has been secured £61m in funding from the Environment Agency to deliver the scheme.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “We take the safety and security of our residents seriously, which is why we cannot stand by and allow people’s homes and businesses to be lost to the sea.

“In other parts of the country, particularly on the east coast, coastal erosion has caused significant damage, with homes falling into the sea and communities left uncertain about their future.

“We won’t let that happen to people who live in Blackpool. We are fortunate in Blackpool to have an agreed ‘hold the line’ policy with central government, and we have secured millions of pounds in funding to help prevent this from happening here.

“Rock groynes and other rocky coastal defence features are used safely around the world.

“If you would like to learn more about the scheme, come along to our drop-in session at Central Library, or come along to one of the other sessions.”

Drop-in sessions will be held at:

• Central Library, Queen Street – Thursday 4 June, 1.00pm to 4.00pm

• Church of St Stephen on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road – Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm

• Cavendish Road Recreation Ground – Wednesday 24 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm

A public exhibition is available at Central Library where residents can view the proposals and pick up a paper copy of the survey.

You can find out more about the scheme and complete the consultation survey at www.blackpool.gov.uk/BlackpoolBispham