On Friday 22 April a very special plaque was unveiled honouring the memory of Mike Pomfret, the highly respected civil engineer who was so instrumental in masterminding, developing and delivering the coastal defence scheme stretching from Rossall, through Blackpool and into Lytham, with the award-winning Fairhaven and Church Scar scheme being his last project.

Blackpool-born Mike, who had chronic liver disease from childhood, sadly died on 15th August, 2021 at the age of 46. He was so proud of the Fairhaven Sea Wall Project that a last wish before his death was for his ashes to be scattered there.

Fylde Council officials, on learning of this wish, suggested a commemorative plaque at the site in his memory. At the time, Councillor Roger Small, chairman of Fylde Council’s Operational Management Committee, said: ‘Mike was the unsung hero behind what is a marvellous scheme. He would have been involved in the forthcoming St. Anne’s sea defence project and we’ll be thinking of him.’

His wife Louise then told the Blackpool Gazette, ‘He really transformed the Fylde coastline and it’s wonderful that a plaque will be there to remember him. Mike always enjoyed walking on the sea wall, with his family, watching other families enjoying our local area and appreciating our beautiful coastline. At the beginning of this year, he found out the scheme was awarded the prestigious Sustainability Award from the Institute of Civil Engineers and he was so proud. He asked to have his ashes scattered there. We’re so proud of him. He has left an amazing legacy on the North West coastline and was truly inspirational in all his achievements.’

Before taking up his senior role in Fylde Council, Mike studied at Liverpool University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and going on to obtain a Master’s degree in Maritime Civil Engineering. After this he worked as a maritime engineer for a major engineering consultancy before moving to an engineering and research consultancy; working on maritime projects worldwide gaining a wide breadth of engineering experience.

A Fylde Council spokesperson has written: ‘You may not be familiar with the name but you will definitely know of his fantastic work. Mike was instrumental in delivering the coastal defence scheme stretching from Rossall, through Blackpool and into Lytham. Thanks to his dedication the Fylde coast line looks as beautiful as ever, we thank you and miss you. R.I.P Mike Pomfret.’