Safety check for sea defences at Filey

A detailed survey is to be carried out to determine the strength of sea defences at Filey and Cayton Bay.

Scarborough Council is expected to spend up to £400,000 from the Environment Agency on an updated strategy for a 21km stretch of the coast which includes Filey Bay, the Brigg, Flamborough Head and Cayton Bay.

The aim is to assess the risk of flooding and whether defences are up to the job.

Once the survey is completed, it could lead to sea defence improvement schemes in Filey and Cayton Bay - although large-scale schemes are thought to be unlikely. Further grants may be needed.

The current strategy dates back to 2002. Members of the council’s cabinet committee will discuss a report on November 18.

Councillor Mike Cockerill, Scarborough Council’s Cabinet member for harbours, assets, coast and flood protection said he was not aware of the need for any urgent flood-defence work.

He said some minor works to “fill in gaps” may be needed.

“Our responsibility includes us continuing to monitor the coastline and observing any natural changes or movements that may occur.

“Depending on what changes we might see in the future, any action we would propose taking would have to be appropriate to the particular issue at that time.”