Objections mount to Cleveleys sea defence plans amid Jubilee Gardens site compound proposals

The phased coastal erosion prevention works, which are proposed to take place until 2023, will close the section of the prom between Cafe Cove up to Rossall School.

Plans have been submitted to Wyre Council to demolish an existing crest wall and replace it with a taller one on Cleveleys Promenade.

New rock armour protection will also be installed, along with additional groynes and headlands during the project, documents showed.

But objections are mounting to additional plans for placing the site compound on the adjacent Jubilee Gardens and its car park.

Engineers noted in plans there would be "temporary loss of some recreational and play facilities at Jubilee Gardens," but the skate park and the play area will remain open, secured and fenced off.

The newly-installed children's play equipment, which cost £35,000 and over two years to implement, will be closed off to the public just a few months after their installation.

However, documents showed the works are set to be phased, in a bid to mitigate the loss of the recreation areas.

Members of the public voiced their concerns about the proposed location of the site compound, worried that it would negatively impact neighbouring businesses, homes, and take green space away from children and dogs.

One objection said: "Our children need the park to stay open. So many people use the park and land now more than ever.

"Also the fact the lorries would be using Carr Gate, the road is not suitable, would be far better to use Thornton Gate."

Another said: "Whilst I have no issue with the proposed works to improve the sea defences, I strongly object to the use of the park area of Jubilee Gardens as a storage compound.

"Firstly, Jubilee Gardens is one of few (if not the only) open green spaces in the local area and is frequently used by all generations, all year round.

"Loss of use of this green space for a continued period could have a detrimental effect on all, particularly when people are suffering in this current climate of lockdown."

The Friends of Jubilee Gardens group voiced also supported the sea defence works, but was "disappointed" in the proposed use of Jubilee Gardens.

Janet Brook, chairman of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens, said: "Whilst we are naturally somewhat disappointed that the gardens are to be used in this way, we appreciate the need for improved sea defences and we look forward to working closely with Wyre Borough Council.

"We have been assured by the council that a substantial amount of money is being earmarked for a major redesign/development of the gardens when the work is completed.

"We very much look forward to working with [them] on the promised developments.

"The designs for an improved gardens have already been drawn up. Although the work will delay the improvements, the promised funding will ensure the new gardens will be completed earlier than we could have hoped."