Lead Minister for the Environment Agency Rebecca Pow visited Lytham St. Anne’s on Wednesday afternoon (6th October). Having responsibility for government policies relating to flood protection, she was particularly interested to visit the sea defences at Fairhaven, and to see how the project not only protected homes and businesses but also provided a first rate environment for visitors.

Travelling to St Anne’s she was then able to see where the next phase of works is planned, now that funding has been secured. Her visit coincided with confirmation being received by Fylde Council from the Environment Agency that a coastal protection scheme at The Island, St ‘, costing £12.1m, could go ahead. It is hoped work on it can start early in 2023, with a projected completion date of summer 2024. The plan ensures the retention of the existing much-valued visitor attractions.

Our headline photograph shows Environment Minister Rebecca Pow at Fairhaven with Andy Shore, the Environment Agency’s Senior Advisor & Coastal Engineer.  Also photographed are Councillor Michael Sayward, Chairperson of Fylde Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee, Mark Menzies MP and Steve Ball, Fylde Council Chief Engineer.

The photograph below shows Rebecca Pow and Mark Menzies on their visit to St.Anne’s.