The Environment Agency will begin ground investigation work on Monday 16th January in order to protect homes and businesses on the Isle of Wight from the risk of coastal erosion and flooding.
Specialised equipment will be used to drill boreholes and dig trenches along Shanklin and Yaverland esplanades and on the beach. The results of the investigation will provide information on the composition of the ground and existing foundations for the proposed coastal defense refurbishment.
Gray: An important step in assessing the best options
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, stated that the existing coastal defences are in poor condition and need to be improved in order to withstand extreme weather caused by climate change.
The ground investigation work will help to determine the best options for protecting Shanklin and Yaverland from coastal erosion and flooding in the future.
Temporary fencing will be put in place around the sites to protect the public, resulting in some footpath diversions and parking suspensions for a short period of time.
Bacon: It’s important that we progress this work as quickly as possible
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet Member responsible for the environment, said,
“It is really encouraging to see that the Environment Agency is beginning the process of ground investigations in Shanklin and Yaverland.
“Recent damage to the defences in Ventnor has illustrated the potential implications of deterioration of our sea defences.
“It is important that we progress this work as quickly as possible.”
The ground investigations will continue for approximately five weeks and will take place concurrently in both locations.
For more information visit the Website.
Image: kevinsteinhardt under CC BY 2.0
