Residents to have their say on Exmouth beach plans

Exmouth beach has changed dramatically over recent years

Plans for the future management of Exmouth beach are to be presented to residents at a public drop-in event.

The Exmouth Beach Management Plan (BMP) looks at how flooding and erosion can be reduced, and how sea defences and the beach can be maintained.

Council staff and contractors will be at the drop-in event to talk about the project and answer any questions.

Residents are invited to attend the session at Exmouth Town Hall on 15 February, between 09:30 and 12:30 GMT.

They can share their thoughts in an online feedback form, which will help update the BMP.

Draft drawings of the proposed emergency sea wall repairs will also be shared, and on display during the event.

The sea wall was badly damaged in storms with repairs expected to cost more than £1m.

East Devon District Councillor, Geoff Jung, is chairman of the Exmouth BMP Steering Group.

He described the beach as "the town's greatest asset".

"Over the years we have seen it change with changing levels, sand dunes lost, and groynes built and now almost covered with sand, it is forever changing," he said.

"The trick now for our consultant engineers is to understand how nature is affecting the beach, predict how it will affect the shoreline in the future and as much as possible work with nature so we will always retain our wonderful beach."

The council said a 12-week public consultation on the updated Exmouth BMP will be held later this year.