Blackpool's £27m sea defence project officially opened

Nearly 5,000 homes in Blackpool are set to benefit from a £27.1m flood defence scheme designed to safeguard properties for the next 100 years.

A kilometre of concrete sea wall has been replaced at Anchorsholme in a bid to ensure 4,800 households are better protected from possible flooding.

The scheme, delivered by Balfour Beatty, was officially opened on 30 October by Blackpool Council cabinet member for environmental services, Fred Jackson, with the chair of the Environment Agency Emma Howard Boyd and has been hailed as a “incredible achievement”.

The scheme forms part of the Fylde Peninsula Coastal Programme, a partnership between Wyre, Blackpool and Fylde councils and the Environment Agency. Commenting on the scheme, Mr Jackson said: “We now have a sea wall that will provide much stronger flood protection for years to come. We also have a wonderful new promenade for all to enjoy which makes access from the seafront to the park and town so much easier. The project has been both an incredible challenge and an incredible achievement for all the organisations involved."

Residents and tourists will now be able to take advantage of maintained access to the beach and a new promenade that offers views over the Irish Sea. The promenade also links the seafront to the nearby Anchorsholme Park, which is being redeveloped.

Floods minister Thérèse Coffey said: “Anchorsholme’s new sea wall was made possible thanks not only to £20m of government funding, but also the huge support of local government and other partners. The result is brilliant news for the community - regenerating the area and providing better protection for almost 5,000 homes and Blackpool’s iconic tram network ahead of winter.”

The Blackpool Council scheme has been funded by the Environment Agency through government grant aid and delivered by contractors Balfour Beatty.