NEW £3million sea defences should mean an end to the misery of mopping up for hundreds of flood-prone South Shore households.

The first phase of the South Shore coast protection scheme was officially opened by Blackpool Mayor Councillor Fred Jackson last Friday (June 27).

The 350-metre stretch forms the first part of Blackpool's biggest coast protection scheme ever, an £18million project running more than a mile from Starr Gate to the Sandcastle leisure complex, to be completed by 2001.

Councillor Jackson said: "This is the start of an important scheme for South Shore that will see the fear of flooding removed and major improvements to the Parades area.

"Previously, as chairman of the environmental health committee, I have been closely involved in the preparation of these works.

"It gives great satisfaction to see the first phase of the project opened and I now look forward to the full scheme being completed."

In winters past, householders and hoteliers have stacked sandbags at their doors in the forlorn hope of keeping out the raging Irish Sea as it pounded over the sea wall.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was done both to house contents and businesses.

Now, with the reconstruction of the sea wall and concrete aprons, using new honeycomb-shaped units, a revamped parade area will provide both flood relief and environmental improvements.

Phase one was constructed by Charles Brand Ltd of Belfast and a tender for the £7.5million second phase looks set to be approved, ready to start next month.

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