MP presents petition on coastal erosion

A petition urging the government to support people affected by coastal erosion has been presented to Parliament.

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden took her petition calling for greater government support for those in Start Bay, including the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands, to Westminster on Monday.

It comes after parts of the A379 between Torcross and Slapton were washed away in Storm Ingrid with Devon County Council estimating repairs would cost around £18m, not including new sea defences.

A spokesperson for The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said: "Our sympathies are with all communities affected by flooding this year, especially in places like Torcross."

The spokesperson added: "Over the last two years we have put more than £650m into protecting against sea and tidal flooding as well as coastal erosion."

It added: "We have also boosted funds for urgent maintenance and will work with the Environment Agencies and local authorities to make sure defences are repaired."

Voaden said: "In just over two weeks, over 39,000 people have signed and I want to thank the businesses and residents who went above and beyond to spread this petition.

"The support demonstrates not only the strength of feeling about this issue but how worried many are that the government won't act.

"Which way they decide will signal how they plan to deal with coastal erosion more broadly and I am sure many communities beyond Start Bay will be watching the decision closely."

The wording of the petition "urges the government to support coastal communities affected by coastal erosion in Start Bay, including the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands, in the short and long term".

The Environment Agency commented previously: "We are working closely with local authorities to manage the sea defences at Torcross and support recovery of the community."

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