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Dogs accused of damaging sea defences between Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham




Dogs have been accused of damaging vital sea defences along a vulnerable section of coastline.

Now there are calls to ban man’s best friend from parts of a seven-mile stretch of beach.

West Norfolk councillors have called for measures to be brought in to stop dogs from digging up the shingle ridge – a key flood defence protecting thousands of homes between Hunstanton and Snettisham.

The shingle ridge acts as a vital sea defence along the coast between Heacham and Snettisham
The shingle ridge acts as a vital sea defence along the coast between Heacham and Snettisham

It follows warnings from Environment Agency (EA) experts that it is under threat of being eroded due to human activity.

In a recent report, officials urged for access to be restricted along some parts of the beach to protect the shoreline.

The feature forms the primary flood defence along the low-lying coastline, which is potentially vulnerable to tidal surges.

Some councillors have called for dogs to be banned from walking along the shingle ridge at Heacham Beach
Some councillors have called for dogs to be banned from walking along the shingle ridge at Heacham Beach

At a West Norfolk Council environment and community panel meeting, members met with EA officials to discuss the future of the flood defences in West Norfolk.

Cllr Sandra Squire, cabinet member for environment and coastal, said: “We need to encourage people to avoid walking and damaging the shingle ridge.

“This should also include dogs as people often allow their dogs to dig into the [ridge].

“This is also damaging and people need to be responsible for their own actions.”

The shingle ridge runs along the coast between Hunstanton and Snettisham. Picture: Google
The shingle ridge runs along the coast between Hunstanton and Snettisham. Picture: Google

Signs could soon be placed along the beach telling people to avoid stepping upon the ridge in a bid to stop further damage.

An EA official, Phil Hulme, hopes discouraging walkers will prevent damage to the vegetation which helps maintain its structure.

The shingle ridge has become a controversial topic in the last 12 months amid a probe into the state of the defences.

The EA has concluded that recharges costing between £5-8million will not go ahead in the future due to the costs being no longer viable.

However, its report also concluded that the ridge is in good condition and has actually been growing naturally.

Property owners in Heacham are also being watched by EA officers amid concerns they are digging into the shingle ridge to get a better view across The Wash.



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