We are delighted to announce the completed section of the Sea Defence Project at Church Scar will re-open to the public on Friday 15th May 2020.
The project which began work in 2018 stretches from Fairhaven Lake to Church Scar promenade on Seafield Road. The previous defences were built in the late 1890s and were in a poor condition, requiring emergency repairs to be financed every year to prevent a breach.
Further to Fylde Council securing a £21.4m grant investment from the Environment Agency, the contractor VBA Joint Venture Ltd is on schedule to complete all the works ahead of the planned date in December 2020.
Councillor Thomas Threlfall, the Council appointed representative for the Fairhaven and Church Scar Sea Defence project board said: “Following 10 years hard work I am delighted that we can now offer this section of the sea defence project back to the public to enjoy. I’d like to give special thanks and recognition to Fylde Council Officers Andrew Dickson, Paul Walker, Darren Bell, Steve Ball and Mike Pomfret for their tireless efforts throughout this project.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Environment Agency and the Government for recognising the need for improvements in the area and subsequently awarding funding for this.
I am immensely proud of what has been achieved; a promenade to be proud of. Not only will this beauty spot be attractive for residents and visitors alike, but it has also significantly improved the safety of the surrounding area.”
The Church Scar section of the works was completed in March this year and was set to open on April 1st, however due to the coronavirus pandemic the decision was made to keep the section closed to the public to avoid people visiting the new feature unnecessarily, compromising the stay home instruction from the Prime Minister.
This stretch of promenade can now be used for exercise but please continue to practice social distancing when using the promenade, keeping 2 metres apart from anyone not in your immediate household.
The remaining sections of the project at Fairhaven Lake and Granny’s Bay are progressing well and will complete later this year. You can keep up to date with the project here www.discoverfylde.gov.uk/seadefence
