Coastal Protection
in Eastbourne
The Eastbourne coastline stretches for more than five miles (8km) from the foot of the South Downs in the west to Sovereign Harbour in the east.
The storms of the late 80's and early 90's caused permanent damage to Eastbourne's sea defences, leaving the town at risk of serious flooding. A major coast protection scheme was launched in 1995 and completed in 1999.
The £30 million scheme, funded by MAFF and Eatbourne Borough Council, included the construction of nearly 100 new timber groynes, rock revetments at particularly vulnerable areas of the beach, reinforcement of the sea wall and extensive beach nourishment.
Eastbourne Borough Council is now working with neibouring authorities and the Environment Agency on strategies that will ensure the continued maintenance of the coastal defences and the preservation of the Sussex coast.