New coastal defences open in Porthcawl

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The newly constructed coastal defence scheme at Porthcawl Town Beach was recently opened by the Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, in an official ceremony.

The new Porthcawl defences consist of five interlocking pre-cast concrete sections which create a terrace, the toe of which is protected by rock armour, while the sea wall has been improved and repaired along the esplanade.

The scheme cost approximately £3M with three quarters of the cost, this translating to a roundabout figure of £2.3M, having be provided by the Welsh Government, with the remaining quarter having been provided by the Bridgend County Borough Council.

The new coastal defences will assist in the protection of some 260 properties from the risk of flooding and coastal erosion, coverage the likes of housing, businesses and also the infrastructure in place directly behind the terrace and sea wall.

Minister Griffiths stated: “We are all aware of the challenges climate change will bring including the devastating impact of flooding and coastal erosion.

“I would like to thank Bridgend County Borough Council and their contractors, Alun Griffiths and Capita, for delivering this scheme which is reducing flood and coastal erosion risk to over 260 properties within the town.

“Our continued investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management will help to ensure Wales remains a safe, viable and attractive place to live, work and invest in for current and future generations.

“Our 12 week consultation on a new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) is still open but will be closing on 16 September so I urge anyone with an interest to get involved now.”

This coastal defence project comes as part of the Welsh Government’s £350M pledge to properties across Wales through investment into flood and coastal erosion risk management.

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