Somerset West and Taunton: Rock armor arrives at Blue Anchor Bay

The second phase of emergency work to strengthen the sea defenses at Blue Anchor Bay is about to begin, Somerset West and Taunton Council reports.

The Council carried out initial works to stabilize the wall and reduce the risk of collapse in July this year.

The second phase of work will involve using the granite rock armor to provide additional protection at the foot of the cliff.

The 1800 tonnes of rock armor was delivered by barge from Cornwall this week and is currently in the bay ready to be placed above, below and to the east of the low sea defense wall below the Blue Anchor Bay Hotel.

Placement of the rock is expected to start next week. This area of the Blue Anchor Beach and the slipway will be closed for periods during the works which are expected to last for up to four weeks.

Furthermore, the two phases of work are being funded by a grant of £385,000 from the Environment Agency.

Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “SWT is delighted to have been awarded a grant by the Environment Agency which is enabling us to take urgent action to protect the vulnerable sea cliffs in this area.“

Also, the intention is to be on site at the earliest opportunity with the aim of ensuring, if possible, that the work is carried out before the winter storms.

“This is another exciting project being delivered by the Council to protect our coastal communities and I’d like to thank the Environment Agency for their support.”

John Buttivant, Coastal Engineer for the Environment Agency, said: “This area has been a priority for some time and we are pleased to be able to work with Somerset West and Taunton Council to deliver this much needed emergency scheme.”

The work, being delivered by SWT as the Coastal Protection Authority with Kier as the main contractor, is expected to protect sufficient land to enable the future delivery of a permanent scheme, funded by Somerset County Council and the Environment Agency, to protect the B3191 coast road in its current location.