MP presents petition on coastal erosion

A petition urging the government to support communities affected by coastal erosion was brought to Parliament on Monday.

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

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

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. "

She added: "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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