Minehead is on the north coast of Somerset, and is one of the regions premier tourist resorts.
It is home to a large Butlin's resort and every year is visited by thousands of tourists.
Sea Defences
It was clear by the early 1990s that the then current sea defences were going to be inadequate.
Storm damage was estimated to be £21 million if nothing was done.
So, the Environment Agency developed a plan to defend the town and improve the amenity value.
Work started in 1997 and the defences were officially opened in 2001.
The total cost was £12.3 million, a considerable saving on the potential losses.
The scheme has been extremely successful as it both protects the town from storms and high tides and creates an attractive beach environment.
Main Features of the Scheme
A 0.6m high sea wall with a curved front to deflect the waves. It has a curved top to deter people from walking on it and its landward side is faced with attractive local red sandstone.
Rock armour at the base of the wall to dissipate some of the wave energy.
Beach nourishment (sand) to build up the beach by 2m in height. This forces waves to break further out to sea and provides an excellent sandy beach for tourists.
Four rock groynes to help retain the beach and stop longshore drift moving sand to the east.
A wide walkway with seating areas alongside the sea wall. This is popular with tourists and local people.