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Blackpool's golden sands 'could be lost forever'

News imageSteve Daniels/Geograph Steps leading on to Blackpool beach, with the tide out. The tower and pier can be seen in the distance against a blue skySteve Daniels/Geograph
Blackpool has already been awarded millions to replace and upgrade coastal defences

Blackpool's sandy beaches could be washed way without urgent work to protect them, council chiefs have said.

The resort is suffering from coastal erosion that is washing the sands away.

To halt the decline, a £57m engineering project will see manmade rock headlands built on the beach to trap sand.

"If we don't act now, Blackpool will lose its sandy beaches for good," Blackpool Council's climate change cabinet member Jane Hugo said.

News imageBlackpool Council Visualisation of rock headlands along the beach. They are long stretches of grey rocks edging from the steps to the beach towards the sea. Blackpool's coastline can be seen in the distance in the background with the tower to the leftBlackpool Council
Proposals include the construction of rock headlands along the beach

Seventeen rock headlands about 100m (328ft) long and about 150m (492ft) apart will be needed as part of the plans.

They will run from just south of South Pier to Cocker Square just north of North Pier, and will trap sand on the upper beach and protect the current coastal defences.

The Environment Agency has given the council funding for the works.

Council climate change cabinet member Hugo added the project was "vital for securing Blackpool's future".

"Climate change is causing a shift in sand levels causing the beach line to lower," she said.

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