The Broomhill Sands scheme was officially opened on Friday May 13 by Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency. Lots of people turned out for the ceremony, including Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, and representatives from the local community, the Ministry of Defence, Camber Parish Council, Defend Our Coast, and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.
Emma started the ceremony by saying a few words about the scheme and thanking the local community for their patience during the construction works. It has been a big job – £30 million, 2.4 km and 1 ½ years of construction work but the new defence has increased the standard of protection to the area from 1 in 20 years to 1 in 200 years. This means that the risk of flooding in any one year has reduced from 5% to 0.5%.
The scheme directly protects over 1,300 homes and more than 100 businesses. When the four remaining Folkestone to Cliff End Strategy schemes are complete, they will work together to reduce flood risk for 14,500 homes, numerous businesses, a nuclear power station, significant areas of designated habitat and two Ministry of Defence firing ranges. Emma then unveiled a plaque next to a telescope donated by Team Van Oord.
Maurits den Broeder (UK Managing Director for Team Van Oord) then spoke about the importance of team working and building relationships with the local community. On such a big project it was wonderful to have such a good relationship with the local people. Finally, Terry Preston (Chairman of Defend Our Coast) spoke about what a difference the Folkestone to Cliff End Strategy schemes have, and will, make to the people of Romney Marsh.
Everyone then moved to a marquee in the Broomhill Sands car park for refreshments and to view displays about the scheme.
Source: Environment Agency
Now is the time to build the new defence on the Eastern bank of the river Rother,before it deteriates even more.
Not only Camber! This scheme is part of an integrated sea defence system from Folkestone to Fairlight. Any breach at Camber could also threaten the East of Rye. Rye Emergency Action Community Team maintains close touch with the Environment Agency about progress with other elements of the scheme, including the Eastern Rother Tidal Walls Scheme which is due for completion well within 5 years.
Chair REACT
The Marsh is still at risk (we are a giant saucer) till we get the ‘holes in the wall’ fixed, Rother tidal walls east, Hythe ranges and at 1 in 5 risk Dengemarsh! The thirty million pounds spent on Broomhill is great step on the way to protect the marsh.