At Scarborough: Pressure Mounts For Change

Scarborough marine conservation group, Sons of Neptune met with Robert Goodwill MP (pictured left) to consider the impact of the Spa Wall Rock Armour proposals.

The sea defence scheme currently considered by Scarborough Council has been met with considerable opposition. It's not only the Sons of Neptune who believe that dumping rock armour against this Grade II* listed site is the wrong approach altogether. Other groups have also raised very real public safety concerns with the proposal. Rock armour is considered unsuitable for areas with public access,

"Large rock revetments in areas open to the public will be a safety hazard. To increase hydraulic efficiency the rocks should be placed randomly to form a rough surface with large voids. The rocks may move when walked on and the voids may be large enough to fall or climb into, and may result in children becoming trapped or injured. Where structures extend down the shoreline below the normal spring tide levels the lower rocks will be covered by algae and other marine growth, and may be extremely slippery." Scottish Heritage on coastal erosion schemes.

It is hoped that Robert Goodwill MP may be able to encourage Scarborough Council to rethink and consider alternatives to Rock Armour. The seaside town of Margate won awards for not only recognising the need to look after the towns heritage within its sea defence scheme, but using a range of engineering solutions see, Margates scheme here
Margate spent 3.5 million. It seems that Scarborough is looking to spend 16million.