£3m Porthcawl Town Beach Sea Defence scheme officially opened by Lesley Griffiths

11 Sep 2019 10:23 AM

A £3m sea defence scheme, reducing the risk of flood and coastal erosion to nearly 260 sea-front properties in Porthcawl was officially opened by Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths yesterday (11 September).

The new structure is made up of five interlocking pre-cast concrete sections in the form of a terrace, the toe of which is protected by rock armour.  In addition, the sea wall has been improved and repaired along the esplanade. 

The defences in this area reduce risk from flooding and erosion to 260 properties including several million pounds worth of businesses as well as key infrastructure along the esplanade. 

£2.3m has been invested by the Welsh Government during the design and construction stages of the project. The Welsh Government has provided 75% of the cost of the scheme with Bridgend County Borough Council funding the remainder. 

This scheme is part of our £350 million investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management around Wales over the term of this Government.

Lesley Griffiths said:

We are all aware of the challenges climate change will bring including the devastating impact of flooding and coastal erosion.

I would like to thank Bridgend County Borough Council and their contractors, Alun Griffiths and Capita, for delivering this scheme which is reducing flood and coastal erosion risk to over 260 properties within the town.  

Our continued investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management will help to ensure Wales remains a safe, viable and attractive place to live, work and invest in for current and future generations.

Our 12 week consultation on a new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) is still open but will be closing on 16 September so I urge anyone with an interest to get involved now.