Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme: First drop-in session this Thursday at Central Library

The first public drop-in session for the Blackpool Bispham Coast protection will take place Thursday 4 June between 1pm and 4pm at Blackpool Central Library.  

Everyone is welcome to come along, meet the project team and learn more about the scheme.  

Plans for the proposed Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme recently launched along with a consultation survey, giving residents the chance to see the plans and have their say. 

This drop-in session is the first of three, with the others set for Wednesday 17 June 4pm to 7pm at St Stephen on the Cliffs, and Wednesday 24 June 4pm-7pm at Cavendish Road Recreation Ground. 

The Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme will help safeguard the coastline at North Shore and Bispham from erosion and prevent homes being lost to the sea.  

The proposed scheme would see sixteen rock groynes built along the beach in two areas – from Cocker Square (just north of North Pier) to Gynn Square, and from Bispham to Little Bispham.  

Rock groynes are used across the UK and around the world to tackle coastal erosion and strengthen flood defences. They work with natural coastal processes, trapping and retaining sand to create a series of headlands along the shore.  

These headlands help stabilise the beach, reducing erosion and preventing existing sea defences from being undermined. 

Councillor Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: 
“We take the safety and security of our residents seriously, which is why we cannot stand by and allow people’s homes and businesses to be lost to the sea. 

“In other parts of the country, particularly on the east coast, coastal erosion has caused significant damage, with homes falling into the sea and communities left uncertain about their future. 

“We won’t let that happen to people who live in Blackpool. We are fortunate in Blackpool to have an agreed ‘hold the line’ policy with central government, and we have secured millions of pounds in funding to help prevent this from happening here. 

“Rock groynes and other rocky coastal defence features are used safely around the world. 

“If you would like to learn more about the scheme, come along to our drop-in session at Central Library, or come along to one of the other sessions.” 

Drop-in sessions will be held at: 

• Central Library, Queen Street – Thursday 4 June, 1.00pm to 4.00pm 

• Church of St Stephen on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road – Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 

• Cavendish Road Recreation Ground – Wednesday 24 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 

A public exhibition is available at Central Library where residents can view the proposals and pick up a paper copy of the survey. 

You can find out more about the scheme and complete the consultation survey at 
www.blackpool.gov.uk/BlackpoolBispham