FEARS are growing that Walney Island could be split in two after it emerged sea levels could rise by a metre before the end of the century.

A recent report published by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said existing government plans nationwide were ‘not fit for purpose.’

The report found that 520,000 properties are already in areas with significant coastal flood risk.

This may treble to 1.5m by the 2080s without action, with the North West highlighted at a risk.

In 2016, The Mail reported how Atlantic storms and high winter tides led to stark warning signs of how close Walney is coming to being permanently split by the sea.

Des Barlow, a councillor for Walney North, said the situation is very difficult to control.

He said:” Walney Island acts as a buffer to Barrow and South Cumbria so when Walney is hit by rising tides and bad weather, Barrow certainly will be.

“There are no plans in place now but if we get word that rising sea levels will become a problem for the island then we will act."

He added: “There are 11,000 people living on the island, so it is going to affect thousands of homes and local businesses.

“If we get more information about rising levels and homes at risk, then we will act as a matter of urgency.”

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Campaigners have warned that the road at South End needs raising and protecting as the land is receding and getting lower.

They have stated the Irish Sea will wash the mud flats out into Walney Channel, splitting the island in two and causing issues.

Cllr John Murphy said Walney needed major investment.

He said: "It is inevitable that there are fears Walney will be affected with the rising sea levels, but this has been the case for over 30 years.

“We can’t build a dam and we can’t build large barriers because we don’t have the funds and it is impossible.

He continued: “The government have not supplied us with any funds to halt the inevitable.

“A major investment will be needed if we are to stop or slow down the rising levels."