DETERIORATION of an artificially constructed Blackpool sand dune could cause flooding according to a recent report highlighting the importance of preserving Blackpool's dunes.

The Scoping Study Report was put before the council at a meeting held earlier this month, alerting council officials to the plight of vital coastal defences.

The sand dune in question was originally built in 1986 to act as an important coastal defence mechanism at the northern end of the Starr Hills dunes. It is now almost bereft of any vegetation and the rubble-filled mattress within the dune has become exposed along almost the entire length of the front of the dune.

The report also points out that any breach of the artificial dune would be quite serious since it is the northern face of the system adjacent to the new sea wall, and that there is a boat club compound directly behind the dune which would flood immediately following any breach.

Another major cause of concern on the dunes are the areas of so-called "blow outs" or areas of sparse or little vegetation.

These blow outs have occurred because members of the public find they are the most convenient way of reaching the beach.

Head of technical services at Blackpool Borough Council, John Shaw, outlined the problems that were found by the report: "The artificial dune was originally created to form part of our coastal protection, but the marram grass that was planted on the dune has now eroded and is in need of attention.

"There are also areas called blow outs that have formed again due to erosion. These represent a more serious area of concern than the artificial dune. They are particularly noticeable opposite Pontins Holiday Camp.

"We have hard defences throughout the rest of Blackpool and are responsible for the area of sand dunes from Starr Gate up to the Thursby Rest Home. The report recognised the need to concentrate on this area and ensure that these problems are sorted out as quickly as possible.

"We are currently putting together a report on the situation for DEPHRA (the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural affairs) asking for funding to carry out the necessary work on the dunes."

When asked what sort of work needs to be done to prevent flooding he replied: "We are looking at a new management process and that will mean restricting access to certain parts of the dunes. It may mean having defined footpath routes through the dunes to the beach which will be marked out with wooden planks.

"It would also mean the artificial dune would be re-instated and planted with marram grass."