In my last note I mentioned our plans for the autumn, and thus far the weather has not changed them unduly.
A dredger’s schedule is always hard to predict, and this year is no exception. Originally we were given a date of 18-09-03 in week 38. Two weeks ago this was put back to week 40 – effectively October, last week it was brought forward to Monday 22nd, and I have now learnt that the afternoon of 17th September will see the first delivery.
So, all being well, Beachlands will see a further 8-9,000cu.m top up starting next Wednesday. The current Met Office forecasts are for warm, calm weather with light winds to last through to next weekend. In which case the final load should be placed on Monday or Tuesday.
We also intend to deliver a couple of loads to the Sovereign Harbour scour hole. In future this will become a regular delivery point because of the effects the harbour has on the beach. Apart from being necessary this will indicate to Sovereign Harbour residents that a wide variety of management techniques will be used in maintaining the beach, much as are practiced elsewhere along the frontage.
A recycle operation will start immediately the recharge finishes. The likely movements remain as described before:
Cooden to Herbrand Walk level crossing
Herbrand Walk fishing station to Normans Bay East
East Stream outfall-Wallers Haven outfall to Normans Bay East
Sovereign Harbour Martello Tower to Sovereign Harbour “Scour Hole”
It is also likely that other recycles will be done during the winter as the need arises.
In many cases, and quite understandably, residents feel uneasy when “their” shingle is dug up and taken away. This is only done when excess shingle (above the amount required to maintain the standard of defence) exists. In most cases we try not to move shingle from in front of properties, but this is not always possible. For instance there is a massive build-up of shingle in the area of 200-250 Coast Road. So much so that many of the groynes have become completely buried. Because material appears to be accreting here, it is not moving eastward so that 350-450 Coast Road remains depleted. In spite of adding dredged aggregates it may be necessary to move some of the excess at 200-250 eastwards to the depleted area. This may appear contrary to normal procedures, but our overriding duty is to provide the required protection standard and this is best done using the material already available on the beach.
If you know of other residents who like to be included in these emailed updates please ask them to email me at pcdl@pevensey-bay.co.uk and it will be done. Conversely if you would prefer not to receive these messages you can be removed from the list.
Please contact me with any queries.
Best wishes
Ian
Ian Thomas