Fear works site could spoil view for eight years

The proposed compound would be set up by the beach along part of the promenade

Residents have raised fears a works compound set to be placed in front of their seaside homes for a coastal protection scheme could be there for eight years.

The site on the seafront in Anchorsholme in Blackpool, just south of Little Bispham tram station will be used by contractor Balfour Beatty for the sea defence work.

The compound will directly sit in front of residents from the Wilvere Court apartments and those living nearby, though plans for scenic murals on fencing to improve its appearance have been put forward.

Blackpool Councillor for the Norbreck ward, Julie Sloman said: "The designs for the fencing would be an improvement, but not for eight years."

Balfour Beatty has submitted a planning application for the £30m scheme on behalf of Blackpool Council.

It will see five new rock groynes created on Anchorsholme Beach at Princes Way to protect against the threat of coastal erosion.

'A long time'

Residents who campaigned against the compound had a chance to see some designs intended to lessen the visual impact in a two-day consultation event at Anchorsholme Park.

Sloman went to the event and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that residents were less happy when they heard the compound is likely to be a longer term amenity.

Sloman, who has supported residents in their unsuccessful campaign to have the compound moved elsewhere, said the duration of the construction compound was a concern.

She said: "Residents were asking questions and one man was told it was likely that the compound would be there for up to eight years.

"People would be happy to put up with the decorative mural fencing for a couple of years but eight is a long time – too long to put up with that."