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| Left to right: Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy with John Johnston of Newbiggin Life and Trevor Straker of Wansbeck District Council |
Coastal defence scheme looks set to go ahead
A scheme worth over £10 million to provide a new, restored beach and substantial coastal protection in Newbiggin looks set to get the wave of approval.
Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy led a debate in the House of Commons raising his fears over the revelation that the scheme had been withdrawn following changes to the priority funding criteria.
Mr Murphy's debate was instrumental in obtaining clarification that the project is likely to secure DEFRA approval. The much needed scheme was originally planned for 2006 and a revised bid will now be looked at with a view to work starting in the Spring of 2007.
Mr Murphy said: "This is wonderful news for Newbiggin by the Sea. Itís the sort of project that not just means that we will have sea defences that will protect Newbiggin for many, many years to come, it will also restore a beach and provide an excellent facility that the people of Newbiggin can use and enjoy on a daily basis. It will also attract vistors from all over the UK."
The coastal defence work involves reducing and altering the nature of the waves further off shore and importing significant quantities of sand to move the depths of waves further away from the promenade and prevent further erosion.
Trevor Straker, Wansbeck District Councilís engineering manager said the council is looking to re-submit the application at the end of February. He added: ìWe will be pushing to get the go ahead for this scheme as soon as possible and we are hoping that work will commence about March or April in 2007.
ìWe believe the scheme is essential to safeguard the current defences along the promenade but the replenishment of the beach will also bring economic benefits to the village.
ìA lot of effort has gone into securing the best option for Newbiggin as itís very important that a sustainable longer term coastal defence for the village is provided.
ìThere were other less attractive options that could have probably secured funding at an earlier date but there has been quite a lot of emphasis on a scheme that will provide not just coastal protection but also something that will add value in terms at Newbiggin and further support the regeneration initiatives already ongoing within the villageî.
John Johnston, Director of Newbiggin Life (local initiative for everyone) said: "The coastal defence and beach recharge scheme are essential components of the overall regeneration plans for Newbiggin by the Sea. The proposals developed by Wansbeck District Council will not only ensure the protection of the bay but will also provide enhanced leisure and recreation facilities for local residents and visitors.
ìIt was wonderful that Denis Murphy MP raised and led the debate in the House of Commons and it would appear that this intervention may have secured support for this much needed scheme"
