EU could help fund coastal protection

The EU could provide ‘match-funding’ for coastal protection measures, said Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliame nt (MEP) for the East of England, today.

In a bid to highlight the need for EU funding for coastal protection, Daisy Cooper, local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Suffolk Coastal invited Andrew to see first-hand the effects of coastal erosion.

On board the Coastal Voyager, Daisy and Andrew viewed the erosion at Tinker’s Marsh in the Blyth Estuary, the crumbling Southwold Harbour Wall, and the eroding cliffs at Eastern Bavents. They also spoke to Marcus Gladwell (pictured), a local resident and member of the Southwold Harbour and River Blyth User’s Association.

Commenting, Daisy said:

“I grew up in Walberswick where I witnessed the devastating impact of high tides and storm surges.

“Today, the Southwold harbour wall and the nearby marshes are in desperate need of repair.

“We urgently need investment to protect our community and their livelihoods. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to show Andrew how EU funding could help make that a reality.”

NOTES

Video of the event available soon at www.daisycooper.co.uk