Work to stop erosion from taking away huge areas of a popular Devon holiday beach may not be completed until 2030 despite a call from local campaigners for urgent action.
An online petition calling for urgent action to protect Teignmouth beach and the resort’s iconic pier has been signed by nearly 900 people.
The Environment Agency (EA) says it is working on a business case to secure government money for the work, but the money is not currently available.
The petition is the brainchild of campaigner ‘Jamie’, who said: “I’ve always cherished Teignmouth beach for its beauty and vibrancy. It’s a place where my family and I have spent countless weekends enjoying the sun and sea.
“However, the alarming rate at which the beach sand is eroding has become a growing concern.”
He says erosion has accelerated rapidly in recent years, exposing parts of the structural piles that hold up the pier.
“This is not only an environmental concern but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of the pier and the safety of visitors,” he said.
The petition says that while coastal erosion is a natural process, the situation at Teignmouth will continue to deteriorate without adequate protection, such as properly-maintained groynes which help trap sand and allow the beach to build up naturally.
“Other coastal towns that have implemented robust groyne systems have seen significant improvement in beach preservation and reduced erosion,” Jamie added.
“Time is of the essence as the longer we wait, the more damage is done, making future interventions more costly and complex.”
The EA says it has been progressing the business case to secure the government money needed to manage flood and erosion risk along the seafront, including improved groynes.
A spokesperson said: “Teignmouth seafront is an important local landmark. This work is ongoing, but the funding needed to develop the project further is not currently available.”
A decision on future funding is unlikely before 2028/29, says the EA, but assuming funding is approved, it hopes to progress further works in 2028/29, with completion by 2030.
The spokesperson added: “The works required have been informed by structural investigations and the recently completed Teignmouth and Shaldon Beach Management Plan.
“We will continue to work closely with Teignbridge Council, Teignmouth Harbour Commission and the Teign Estuary and Coastal Partnership, and will communicate more widely as the project progresses.”
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