Whole Load Of Heavy Lifting For District’s Coastline

Around 100,000 tonnes of shingle – the equivalent to 1,250 blue whales or 33,000 cars – will be recycled and regraded in the latest phase of beach management work.

Work to help protect more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding on the five-mile stretch of coast between Fisherman’s Beach and Folkestone Harbour got underway this week.

The process takes up to eight weeks to complete and is currently the most cost-effective way of protecting the district. Contrary to opinion, it offers far superior protection than the old timber groynes.

Tim Prater, Councillor for Sandgate and West Folkestone, said:

"This work has been carried out twice a year since 2004 to reduce the possibly of flooding and coastal erosion by helping to shield the sea wall.”

"Sandgate used to be flooded regularly from the sea during storms, especially along The Esplanade, before these works commenced. Since 2004 it doesn't happen.

“We secured £2.35m of Environment Agency funding earlier this year to ensure this important programme can continue for the next five years.”

Shingle is moved from east to west to allow the longshore drift to naturally spread it to aid the prevention of overtopping during storm events.

Any disruption will be kept to a minimum – no work will be carried out between Christmas and the new year.