The Environment Agency has finished repairing Torcross sea defence after damage caused by the storms of February 2016.
Those storms saw large waves hit the sea defence when beach levels were low, causing cracks to appear along the promenade.
The repaired wall cost £2.4 million and reduces the risk of flooding to 51 properties. It is designed to withstand a severe storm, even when beach levels are low. Steel sheet piles have been installed directly in front of the existing line of piles with a new reinforced concrete capping beam. These double-length piles give the wall extra stability.
The Environment Agency’s Becky Richards said:
A huge thank you to all the residents of Torcross who have supported our repair work.
The project team worked hard to complete this repair quickly as possible, and our contractor, BMM JV, has done well to complete the works in time for the Easter holidays.
Local MP Dr Sarah Wollaston said:
Thank you so much to all those who have worked hard to restore the sea defences at Torcross, and to the community and agencies which came together during the anxious weeks following last year’s storms to get things done.
The Environment Agency will inspect the defence every 24 months and monitor the repair during periods of bad weather.
A complementary project is underway to identify the best beach management options for Torcross. South Hams District Council is creating a Torcoss and Slapton Beach Management Plan on behalf of The Slapton Line Partnership, to which the Environment Agency will contribute.
Alan Denbigh, Chair of the Slapton Line Partnership, said:
Together we hope to identify the best long-term beach management options to reduce the impact of storms at Torcoss.
We are planning events in summer 2017 for residents and businesses in and around Torcross to talk about the plan. Visit www.slaptonline.org to find out more.
Even with this sea defence, parts of Torcross remain at a high risk of flooding from the sea. High risk means that each year this area is at significant risk of flooding during storms due to waves.
Everyone has a part to play to protect themselves from the risk of flooding. There are some simple steps you can take now:
- Use our flood map to see which areas are more likely to flood first, deepest, or most often by entering your postcode
- Register for Floodline – if you’re at risk of flooding, you may be able to receive flood alerts and warnings, completely free
- Be prepared – know what to do if flooding happens with a flood plan – download a personal, business or even a community flood plan template
To report an emergency flood incident in Torcross call our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
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