SEA-whizz! Government Flood Defence Minister Elliot Morley MP officially opened Blackpool's new South Shore coastal protection scheme on Monday. He unveiled a plaque marking the completion of the whole scheme, and Blackpool Mayor Sue Wright also unveiled a plaque at Watson Road car park on New South Promenade celebrating the completion of the third and final phase of the project. The scheme, featuring a wall of interlocking concrete hexagons called Seabees, is designed to stop erosion of existing sea defences between Starr Gate and South Pier, and curb flooding of seafront buildings.

Mr Morley said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has granted Blackpool Borough Council £17 million -- the highest amount available -- to help meet the estimated £24 million total cost