Many local residents and visitors to our coastline have been commenting on the way in which the contour of our coastline is changing. Walking along the seafront it is evident that the ravages of our weather has impacted upon our sea defences. The coastal pathway in parts is much narrower and is often covered in sand making it difficult for cyclists, those with buggies and those with wheelchairs to access the area. Broken and rusty railings, tired signs and tattered red flags which warn of the dangers of swimming and walking along the sand and mud flats.
Local residents have formed a Seafront Residents Action Group and at a recent meeting local residents voiced their concern over the lack of a clear and coherent plan by the Labour Council in tackling the problem. Nine local councillors were invited, but chose not to attend.
It would appear residents of Hightown are becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of awareness by the Labour Council to the situation that is facing many residents who live near to the coast.
The problems facing our coastline are not new. In 2011 in an effort to slow down the erosion power of the River Alt; The Hightown Dune Restoration Project enabled the following to take place:
1. The reduction in height and extent of mobile sand dunes at Crosby through the removal of up to 30,000 cubic metres of sand.
2. The transport of the removed sand along a temporary haulage route to Hightown.
3. The placement of transported sand to reinforce the existing sand dunes at Hightown to their 1979 seaward extent.
4. The removal of the existing hard defence at Blundellsands Sailing Club and its replacement with a new revetment structure.
5. The placing of a rock armour groyne to the North of the Hightown frontage.
However sadly over the years that sand has been washed away and the Dune Restoration Project requires some radical rethinking and action on behalf of our local councillors and Labour Council.
Residents are increasingly concerned that there is an absence of a major plan to deal with the issues that are facing them and a reluctance by local Councillors to visit and meet with residents to observe at first hand the extent of the problem.
Hightown is, as many of us know, an area of great scientific interest. The River Alt Estuary and the coastline is an area of transition from marine to freshwater habitat The areas of mud and salt flats are important feeding and roosting grounds for bird life.
However over the years there have been large movements of sand which has impacted on profile of the coastline and has moved large deposits of sand towards residents’ homes. Not only is this a threat to private houses but the migrating dunes are also in danger of overwhelming the unique habitats which make up the site of scientific interest.
As the years have rolled by the problem has become more acute and residents have become increasingly concerned about their locality.
Parish Council minutes in May 2023 recorded the concerns of a local resident about the erosion to the local coastline. The concerns were forwarded by the Parish Council to Sefton Council but no response is recorded in subsequent meetings. Why?
In July 2023 minutes of the Parish Council highlight the concerns of a local resident to the high levels of nitrates in the River Alt and the presence of a dead porpoise on the beach which should be reported to DEFRA. Whilst nitrates are essential plant nutients excessive amounts can cause significant water quality problems.
Coastal erosion is a major challenge for Sefton Council. Local Councillors have a responsibility to meet with residents in their wards and familiarise themselves with the issues that the coastal erosion presents. Sefton must be prepared to work with outside agencies to better understand the dynamic coastal and estuary process. Planning for managing adaptation to coastal change is vital and the importance of clearly communicated plan to residents is absolutely essential.
Labour’s Manor Ward councillors have repeatedly ignored the needs of Hightown residents and the impact of the coastline on their well-being. There is no willingness to listen to, or engage with, local residents on the local issues which are impacting on their lives.
