Sea walls need 'urgent repair' before main project

Funding is being sought to make urgent repairs to deteriorating sea defences in West Sussex, before a major improvement project can begin.

Chichester District Council had already secured funds for the outline design stage of its new Selsey coastal scheme - a three-and-a-half year programme of work to begin in 2030.

The authority says this work requires the existing structures at West Beach being solid.

Councillor Jonathon Brown, cabinet member for environmental strategy, said: "If this section of the beach frontage is not repaired before the main works start in a few years' time, then there is a danger that this area will deteriorate even further and would push up the cost of the main scheme."

The authority is applying for government funding for the repairs for coastal defences.

Meanwhile, timber has detached from the front of the seawall at Sea Grove, exposing a "large void" at its base, which the council said is likely to increase in size if not repaired.

It has approved £60,000 from the its reserves to repairs it.

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