Storm Babet To Arrive As Suffolk Coast Sea Defence Work Continues

Work to repair sea defences at Corton and Lowestoft’s north beach are underway this week.

Work to repair sea defences at Corton and Lowestoft’s north beach are underway this week. Coastal Partnership East, who are managing the work, say in Corton - they will be working on the cliff below the lower part of the Baker’s Score access steps - as well as to the north below the caravan park. The news comes as Suffolk prepares for the arrival of Storm Babet, which is set to bring some heavy rain and strong south easterly winds later Wednesday 18th October - and heavy rain perhaps with strong winds on Friday 20th October. Coastal Partnership East are part of East Suffolk Council (ESC) and are responsible for coastal management. They have appointed East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB) to complete repairs and maintenance of coastal protection assets along the Suffolk coast, which are owned or managed by ESC. ESWMB will be completing works at Corton as part of that contract.

The map below from the Coastal Partnership East website, shows the areas in Corton work is taking place: The work will be below and just to the north of Baker’s Score access steps. A welfare unit will be set up at Baker’s Score. ESWMB will be placing concrete filled bags against the cliff below the lower part of Baker’s Score access steps and to the north below the caravan park. This work is to address localised areas of cliff face loss and give better protection to the cliff in these locations. Access to Baker’s Score and the steps will be possible and the work will be clearly signposted on the promenade and at Baker’s Score. We will work hard to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and ask the

public to please take note of the contractor’s signage when work is happening. Repair and maintenance work is due to take place from the 17th to 19th October 2023.

Work also continues in North Lowestoft near the North Denes and Ness Park.

Coastal PArtnership East say that this work will improve flood defence assets and is an important part of ESC’s commitment to ensure that the coastal assets they are responsible for are working effectively and are safe for the public, helping to protect our beautiful and important coastline economically and environmentally and for the enjoyment of communities and visitors for generations to come.

Undertaking regular targeted maintenance means that we can maximise the lifespan of coastal protection assets, ensuring that we make the most of every pound spent and achieve a better return on

public investment. We are supporting the safeguarding of life and local economies by making sure that the Council’s coastal assets are in the condition needed for continued protection.