Over 4000 properties are to be better protected from flooding in Blackpool following a new investment of £61 million to replace and upgrade the existing coast defences.

Following submission of the outline business case to the Environment Agency, Blackpool Council has been allocated £61.2 million to replace and upgrade coastal defences in Bispham in the north of the town.

The scheme will see two sections of the sea defences refurbished - 1.5km from Princes Way at Little Bispham to Red Bank Road, Bispham and 1.3 km from Gynn Square to Cocker Square.

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In the past 30 years Blackpool Council has successfully delivered over £150 million of coastal infrastructure. This scheme will reduce the risk of erosion to 3,631 households, 380 non-residential properties and also protect strategically important infrastructure that is vital to Blackpool as a resort and community, including the tramway.

The existing defences, which were constructed in the 1980s, have been regularly maintained however they are now life expired and in need of replacement.

By replacing the defences now before any erosion of the steep cliffs takes place will avoid the need for expensive emergency works.

Extensive work has been carried out to identify the best solution for each stretch of coastline.