Walney Island could benefit from a new council strategy to manage coastal flooding and erosion risks along the Cumbrian coastline – an ever-present issue for the area.

The Cumbria Coastal Strategy recommends long-term sustainable solutions and will be used to make the case for Government funding for coastal management defence schemes in the future.

Over the last three years, Cumbria County Council has worked together with the Cumbria Coast Protection Authorities (district councils), Environment Agency, Natural England and Network Rail, as well as a number of other key organisations, to develop the strategy for the future management of the coast.

This is a key issue for Barrow, and Walney in particular, which a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change last year named as one of the places set to be worst-affected with beaches retreating five times the national average.

South Walney Labour county councillor Frank Cassidy said: “We are lucky to live in a community that has one of England's finest coastlines but flooding and erosion are ongoing problems.

“Unusual weather events of recent years have damaged Walney's western flank and there are quite a few hotspots.

“This strategy will help to identify properties and infrastructures that are at risk and help us to plan for the future.

ACTION: Councillor Frank Cassidy

ACTION: Councillor Frank Cassidy

“The strategy will form the evidence-base for making the case to secure Government funding for coastal management projects.

“Council tax-payers need to know they are getting good value for money and this strategy is a wise investment.”

The county council will continue to work alongside the relevant coast protection authority or infrastructure provider to support delivery of the actions and future schemes set out within the strategy. Much of the study work proposed in the strategy will justify the viability of future projects and will result in further investment in the Cumbria coastline.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “To ensure we fully understand and include the impacts on communities, the local economy and environment, the council has carried out two rounds of public engagement and also engaged with a number of partners and stakeholders to help shape and inform the content of the strategy.

“I’m delighted that the Environment Agency and the five Cumbria Coast Protection Authorities are all fully supportive of the strategy. This will put us in the best place possible to secure funding from the Government for future flood and coastal risk management schemes and also help secure national funds to contribute to the cost of defences.”