Shingle brought in to defend homes

Work is continuing on the beach between Sovereign Harbour and Normans Bay.

Every year 20,000 cubic metres of shingle from that stretch of beach is lost towards Bexhill and Hastings because of longshore drift.
Pevensey Coastal Defence Limited has brought in a barge which sources shingle from miles offshore and then pumps it onto the beach.
This work will protect more than 6,000 homes of 17,000 people within the Eastbourne area.

Ian Thomas of PCDL said, ''This work is important to not only the people who live on the beaches at Sovereign Harbour and Pevensey Bay but thousands of people who live inland.

''These homes and businesses are in flood risk areas. This work, which we carry out annually, should hopefully without extremely bad weather protect them for the next 12 months.

''The duration it takes to complete this task depends on the tidal schedule.
''It would normally take 25 loads of shingle to complete this task. That would take just over two weeks, but we always allow extra time in case of bad weather.''

The work can cause disruption to those living close to the sea but the company is trying to minimise the effects.

As the work to replenish the shingle is carried out 24 hours a day, night working does need to take place.

Updated: Monday, October 30, 2006 20:32