A NEW defence scheme which will protect 1,650 properties in East Rhyl from coastal flooding has been completed almost a year ahead of schedule.

The East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme, funded by Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and the Welsh Government, began in April 2020 and was not due to end until December 2022.

The successful placement of 128,000 tonnes of rock armour in front of the existing sea defences at East Rhyl, and the new 600 metres of sea defence wall and promenade, will protect the area from current storms and the impact of climate change.

Principal contractors Balfour Beatty undertook the majority of works.

Brian Jones, DCC’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, said: “We have always been committed to completing these works as quickly as possible so that our communities are protected from any potential risk of flooding.

“We are extremely pleased the works to safeguard hundreds of residents and businesses in the area from current storms and future rise in sea levels in the area, are complete ten months ahead of schedule.

“It is also pleasing to note that the project has been delivered well within the budget costing.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the success of the scheme.”

Community benefits from the scheme included:

• A beach access gate at Old Golf Road for use at weekends.

• Renovation works at the Splash Point.

• The donation of groynes to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for their memorial area and to Friends of the Cob for the Glan Morfa site.

• Using the North Wales supply chain for rock deliveries.

• A virtual mentoring session with Working Denbighshire to help those looking for work in the construction industry.

• Donations to Sussex Street Food Bank.

Eddie Lundon, area director at Balfour Beatty, added: “Through the Scape framework, we are delighted to have safely and successfully completed this critical scheme which will protect numerous homes and businesses in East Rhyl.

“Utilising our extensive coastal experience, we were able to complete the programme ahead of schedule, utilising a local supply chain whilst making a significant and sustainable contribution to the local community.”

The minister for climate change, Julie James, added: “The flooding of homes and businesses in Rhyl in 2013 is still fresh in people’s memories and with climate change very much upon us, we know such events are likely to become more frequent in the future.

“I am therefore pleased to provide funding to DCC from our Coastal Risk Management Programme for this substantial scheme to help protect homes, businesses and infrastructure from the impact of floods.”

For more information about the scheme, please visit: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/community-and-living/coastal-defence/east-rhyl/east-rhyl-coastal-defence.aspx.