On 14th June, HM Coastguard posted on Facebook that they had been patrolling the coastline between Seaforth Radar Tower and Formby Point.
They commented:
"Our Rescue Helicopter Rescue 936 made an appearance today and flew over our coastline. As we have been on patrol we have noticed that the coastal pathway has been eroding back from the sea. There are very large cavities underneath the grass that members of the public cannot see from the grass area above. There is a real danger to the embankment collapsing from underneath you if you go too close to the edge. Please stick to the pathway and stay clear of the grassed area between the path and the beach area."
Faced with information such as this from one of the Emergency Services, it is surprising that Sefton Council have not taken action to advance their plans for coastal protection and, in the short term, fence off the area to safeguard the passing public.
As long ago as June 2018 the Cabinet considered a report highlghting the urgency of works to safeguard the coastline. This also included dealing with asbestos waste, which was being exposed, and the risks to a major sewage pipeline. Twelve months later the Council held a public consultation on their vision for the coast and also employed consultants to devise a Crosby Flood and Coastal Defence Scheme. Sefton Council are currently developing a business case in partnership with United Utilities and the Environment Agency to secure funding (£15-£20M) to undertake a scheme in Crosby to reduce risks associated with coastal change and surface water flooding. That business plan was intended to be put to Cabinet Members last October but the latest Forward Plan shows it has now been delayed until July 2020.
It is ironic that this week Sefton Council have produced their Transportation Capital Programme for 2020/2021, which shows they intend to spend £950,000 on the Crosby Coastal Park cycleway. Whilst facilities for cyclists is welcomed, it would surely make sense to first ensure that the coastline is stabilised from further erosion before expending such money on a new cycleway.
Sefton Council have a duty to protect the public who come to visit our glorious coastline. They need to take a far more pro-active role in alerting people to the dangers of the coastline.
Image: Courtesy of HM Coastguard, Crosby
