Evidence sought in study of foreshore erosion

Have you noticed any changes on the foreshore?

Councillors are calling on members of the public to come forward with evidence as part of an investigation into perceived changes to the Borough’s foreshore.

The Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee is looking into claims over the past two years by some obvservers that mudflats along our foreshore appear to be changing and are disappearing.

As well as approaching members of the public, the Committee will also be reviewing information held by statutory agencies, neighbouring authorities and other partners.

The aim is to try to piece together a complete picture as possible of any changes to the foreshore, backed up by solid evidence.

Cllr Martin Terry, Executive Councillor for Public Protection, Waste and Transport, said: “The foreshore plays an important role in the town’s economy, supporting the local fishing industry and tourism. It is also designated as a site Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundance of habitats and wildlife, so it is important that we are aware of any changes to it.  I welcome this study and look forward to its findings once it has been completed.”

Cllr Mark Flewitt, Chairman of the Place Scrutiny Committee, which is leading the study, said: “Our foreshore is recognised as an area of national and international importance.  We are urging members of the public to come forward with any information they can provide on any changes that they may have noticed.  We are particularly interested in hearing from people who may have old photos or documents about the condition of the foreshore so that these can be used as part of our evidence base for the study. The information provided by residents will also help formulate the questions that will be put to the professional bodies.”

Residents can submit evidence via an online web portal on the Council’s website at www.southend.gov.uk/foreshoresurvey, by email to foreshorestudy@southend.gov.uk or in writing to the Democratic Services Department at the Council offices.

The study is scheduled to be completed with a publication of a report on the Committee’s findings later in the Spring.

Published: 13th January 2015

Go to top