Photo: Alan Mak MP inspects flood defence work at Eastoke Corner
Havant MP Alan Mak has backed Natural England’s work around Hayling Island’s coastline. Mr Mak joined representatives from the government’s advisor on the natural environment on a walk of the Hayling Billy Trail before viewing some beach works for coastal protection at Eastoke.
The local MP joined Natural England’s Area Manager, Fran Davies, on what may form part of the Portsmouth to South Hayling stretch of the new England Coast Path. The nationwide project will see Natural England create the newest, longest and most challenging National Trail ever seen in England.
The England Coast Path, the biggest access project in a generation, is due to be completed in 2020 and will give unprecedented access and legal right to explore England’s beaches and clifftops. The new path, stretching over 2,795 miles around the country, will avoid impacts to specially protected habitats and species, and should provide a boost to the local economy, attracting walkers to this special part of Hampshire’s coastline.
Mak says the new England Coast Path is an opportunity to attract more visitors to Hayling, but is clear that local property owners’ rights must be respected and the Path must not jeopardise any existing home or businesses by allowing unnecessary public intrusion into private areas.
Mr Mak took the opportunity of the Hayling Billy Trail walk to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing local coastal communities. Mr Davies highlighted the importance of the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership – involving local authorities, NGOs and Natural England – to help visitors appreciate the importance of local wildlife habitats, especially those of the internationally important populations of over-wintering birds.
The Havant MP was then shown the Coastal Defence Scheme at Eastoke, on the corner of Hayling Island frontage, which protects local communities and wildlife from coastal erosion and flooding. In 2013, a £5 million project was completed to raise the profile of Eastoke Point beach against rising sea levels, reducing the risk of flooding for 1700 residential properties for over 100 years.
Following his visit, Alan Mak said: “I enjoyed hearing about plans for Hayling to play a role in the new England Coast Path but we must get the balance right between widening access for and protecting the private property of local residents and businesses. Natural England play an important role protecting and enhancing Hayling’s coastline and natural environment, and it was good to see their work first hand.”
The Havant MP added: “It’s also great to see projects like the Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership bringing together local developers, environmental groups and visitors to stress the importance of local wildlife and their habitats.”
Natural England’s Area Manager Fran Davies commented: “We were delighted to invite Alan along to see the work Natural England is involved in around Hayling Island. The coastal path planning is under way, and will take account of defence schemes, such as the one we’ve recently advised on at Eastoke Point.”
Mr Davies added: “With an estimated 52 million visitors a year, the Solent region is a hotspot for bird-watching and coastal walks – and we are working with communities and developers to enable development that protects and enhances the area’s environmental assets. It is great that Alan is supportive of our work to enable Hayling Island to remain an attractive place for coastal wildlife, residents, and visitors alike.”