Tonnes of rubble to go as part of £10m beach revamp

The rubble, belonging to a former barracks, has been spilling out onto Formby beach

A stretch of coastline and rare sand dune habitats are set to be restored as part of a major conservation project.

The National Trust plans to remove from dunes at Formby beach vast amounts of rubble from a former army barracks.

Since the 1960s, a large part of the Sefton coastline has been off limits to visitors because of the safety risk the rubble posed.

Following a successful planning appeal last summer, works can now begin to restore the sand dunes and beach at Victoria Road.

The rubble, which formed part of the old Harington Barracks which was demolished after World War Two, contains remnants of concrete, lampposts and brick walls.

Justin Matthews, a National Trust ranger, said the rubble had been on the beach since the 1960s

It was put on the beach when the car park was being built and goes down to a depth of about 2m (6 ft), according to National Trust ranger Justin Matthews.

The project aims to remove construction rubble and the existing car park

"What we are looking to do this year is to remove the car park, remove all of the rubble and restore this to sand dunes," Mr Matthews said.

"By doing that work we will be making this beach much tidier, much nicer for visitors to come and see, and we will be able to reconnect all of this sand dune habitat and create a wonderful home for sand lizards and natterjack toads as well."

During the project, which will start in May and is expected to be completed by spring 2026, visitors will not be able to access Victoria Road beach, car park and toilets.

The Lifeboat Road car park will remain open, but parking spaces will be limited.

A traffic management plan is being developed to ease congestion.

The National Trust says the rubble will be repurposed to build a new car park further inland, enhancing both conservation efforts and visitor access

Vicky Blane, Formby and Lancashire general manager at National Trust, said: "The Victoria Road project is part of the National Trust's long-term commitment to look after this very special part of the Sefton Coast.

"Relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come."

The project is being carried out in collaboration with Dynamic Dunescapes, a £10m conservation initiative focused on restoring sand dune ecosystems across the UK, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and the EU LIFE Programme.