New Sea Wall at Shaldon

On Friday 1st July, a sunny day welcomed Important Officials at Clipper Quay for the opening of the £8.3m flood defence scheme.

One hundred guests and visitors assembled at the sea wall to see the Environment Agency chairman Lord Chris Smith unveil a plaque to mark the occasion. The scheme will reduce the risk of of tidal flooding to 453 homes in Shaldon and Ringmore. One resident told me she was pleased with the way the consultation was undertaken, listening to her fear of upheavel during the building of the sea wall.


Pictured above Planning Officer Nick Davies and Principal Planner (Heritage) Maureen Pearce ) with Mayor of Teignmouth David Cox and Chairman Shaldon Parish Council Peter Williams.

Devon County and Teignbridge District Councillor Chris Clarance spoke on what constitutes the defence system which includes ten flood gates, 25 flood windows and doors together with steps and ramps in specific locations.

Shaldon Parish Council Chairman Peter Williams told of the time in 2008 where he was organising sandbags because of sea water coming right up to the Clipper Cafe. The floodgates will be operated through the Parish Council.

Funding was obtained from the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Picured the children and teachers entertaining guests with folksongs.

As a representative for the Teign Estuary Forum for Kingsteignton Town Council I went along unofficially, taking photos and ready to report back to our council. What happens at the mouth of the River Teign affects Hackney Marshes and Reeds where swans build their nests. Where also is seen heron and egret. Egrets have only been seen back at Hackney over the past few years. Birdwatchers are often seen at this part of the estuary, which is handy for the Passage House Pub/Resturant together with the Hotel and Conference Centre who rely on a vibrant Estuary for tourism and trade.

The Teign Estuary. A Boat with straw sailors. Look out for news of the Shaldon Regatta. See Link www.shaldon-devon.co.uk