BAM Nuttall, working on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has completed the installation of sea defences in Withernsea, helping to protect the town from the threat presented by North Sea coastal erosion.

Work on the £7million South Withernsea Coastal Defence Scheme, which began April 2019, has extended the existing defences southwards with 400 metres of rock armour, and includes a new 100-metre terminal rock structure at the end of the defences.

Just under 70,000 tonnes of rock armour was imported by sea from Norway to construct the defence. Major construction work was also carried out at the site in order to reduce the gradient of the cliff face and to recover rock from the existing terminal structure to incorporate within the new revetment.

Josh Riley, BAM Nuttall Site Agent for the South Withernsea Coastal Defence Scheme, said:

“Erosion on this section of the coast has become a major concern, with the average rate increasing from 4metres to 6metres a year. In some areas near Withernsea, this has reached 12metres, so action to halt the erosion was urgent.

“Our solution uses rock armour, formed of rocks weighing between 6 and 15 tonnes, in an interlocking but porous structure that can withstand the wave action that is the primary cause for coastal erosion.

“Our team has demonstrated enormous resolve, delivering this work despite the environmental challenges presented by the North Sea and the social and health pressures generated by coronavirus safety measures. The whole team, including our rock armour suppliers KLM, RJT Excavations and small local suppliers, has been positive and solution focussed throughout.

“I would like to thank the residents of Withernsea who have been extremely patient whilst we delivered this work. We are proud to have left them a lasting legacy, which will provide protection for the town for years to come.”

Councillor Chris Matthews, East Riding of Yorkshire Council portfolio holder for strategic management, said:

“I am delighted that this hugely important scheme has now been completed despite undoubted challenges caused by the Covid-19 situation. I remain grateful for the funding awarded to carry out this project in order to help shield this area of coastline from erosion, which has increased in recent years.”

The scheme received £3m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the cost of the project.