The previous Victorian sea defences did not provide
adequate protection from storms which could flood the
town.
It is estimated that the 120 year old sea wall provided only a
one in five year standard of protection which meant that there was
a 20% chance of flooding each year. The standard required by
government for sea defences is one in 200 years – a 0.5% chance of
flooding.
4,500 properties in Weston are at risk of flooding from the
sea. These include homes, some of which are basements below
sea level, and business premises.
Flooding would affect the seafront area, the town centre and
could flow inland as far as Hutton Moor. The seafront has been
severely damaged by storms in 1903, 1981, 1990 and 1996.
The 80 year old Marine Lake causeway was also in poor
condition and beginning to erode. If the causeway disappeared we
would've lost the fantastic experience of walking between the lake
and the sea.
Without the causeway the town would also
be exposed to even bigger waves and more
flooding. In additon, the lake structure is tired and in
need of a face lift.
