Calls for urgent action over South Cumbrian coastal erosion

Barrow and Furness’ MP has met with Environment Agency officials to ask for urgent action to be taken over coastal erosion in South Cumbria.

As a result of Storm Ashley, a stretch of the path at Earnse Bay on Walney Island has washed away.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it was working with contractors to remove fencing within the next week and ensure continued access through the field.

The section of path at Earnse Bay is part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a National Trail that will eventually span the entire English coastline.

An inspection was held yesterday, Friday October 25, to assess the damage, attended by MP Michelle Scrogham, council leader Jonathan Brook, senior council officials and Walney councillors.

Mrs Scrogham then met with Environment Agency officials where she requested their urgent support to find a solution.

She said: “Unusual weather events linked to climate change have resulted in the Earnse Bay shoreline receding significantly in recent years, and only weeks ago large sections of an old concrete wall collapsed after being undermined by the advancing sea.

“Before the storm’s arrival just a narrow stretch of path remained giving access to the North Walney Nature Reserve from West Shore Park.

“But even that footway was destroyed completely in the wake of gale-force winds and a tide of more than 10 metres.

“The savage weather also created a hole in existing sea defences around 500 metres south of Earnse Bay.

“Climate change is having a major bearing on increased coastal erosion all around the UK and our community is not immune.

“The damage at Earnse Bay is advanced and West Shore Park residents are rightly asking for remedial works to be carried out so they can have peace of mind.

“As a first step, contractors have been engaged to remove fencing so residents and visitors can have access to the nature reserve.

“We now need to see the sea defences reinforced and I am urgently pressing the council and the Environment Agency to ensure we see progress.

“I will also be making contact with park owners, the Berkeley Leisure Group, to remind the company of its responsibilities as we combine to find long-term solutions to this problem.

“The visit has brought things into sharp focus.

“I can’t promise an immediate fix, but I can pledge that I will be pushing hard to bring about the improvements that everyone wants to see.”