North Berwick: coastal defences strengthened at West Beach

Many miles of county coast suffered badly from erosion following Storm Babet last October and further bad weather this year.

A "significant amount of sand" was removed by storms and high tides at a number of sites and a large hole was punched into North Berwick Harbour.

Both North Berwick's main beaches - East and West Beach - were impacted, with sewage pipes exposed and significant erosion occurring.

At West Beach, sections of cherished beachside recreational area Elcho Green were lost to the tides, as were wooden staircases to the beach.

Now, East Lothian Council has taken steps to protect the area damaged by storms and high tides at Elcho Green by constructing a new 'wooden defence' of more than 100 metres.

READ MORE: Clean up begins after Storm Babet

A council spokesman said: "“Works are currently underway to repair and strengthen the area damaged by the storms and high tides at Elcho Green in North Berwick. Sleepers that were dislodged have been recovered, with additional batons attached to strengthen the area.

“Our Countryside Rangers have seen a significant amount of sand being removed by storms and high tides at a number of sites.

"For example, steps have been damaged, repaired and damaged again over the winter period at Dunbar. The rangers continue to deal with large amounts of flotsam and jetsam being washed up on the shores. They are very grateful for the volunteers and members of the community who have assisted with the clean ups of the beaches.”

Sections of Elcho Green have been lost to the elements (Image: Newsquest)

Coastal erosion was an "increasingly challenging issue for agencies around the UK and Ireland, including here in East Lothian", added the spokesperson.

"Our Climate Change Strategy recognises this and highlights the importance of taking action to ensure that the county’s natural environment and infrastructure are resilient for the future," he said.

"This is, however, extremely challenging and requires additional grant support to address the majority of risks.

READ MORE: Clearance work to start at storm-damaged North Berwick Harbour 

“We have commissioned Dynamic Coast, which aims to provide strategic evidence base on the extent of coastal erosion in Scotland, to undertake a detailed analysis of the coastal change in Musselburgh, and to consider the risk of future changes in shoreline due to projected sea level rise associated with climate change.

“Later this year, we plan to update our Shoreline Management Plan with a Coastal Change Adaption Plan in line with current Scottish Government Guidance."

At North Berwick West Beach, the storm damage specifically impacted  the supporting sleeper wall at Elcho Green.

Original sleepers were dislodged by the power of the sea which included very high tides and strong easterly winds. This damage included the complete destruction of the set of steps at the area.

Following  inspections and discussions with engineers, it was agreed that the original sleepers could be re-attached and that addition batons would used to strengthen the structure.

The council spokesperson added: "Once these works have been completed, the back filling of the structure will be undertaken. Throughout this process, East Lothian Council has undertaken to re-use material and to re-instate like for like, where possible."

Kenny Miller, chairman of North Berwick Community Council, said: "The community council really appreciates the efforts that are going in to the repair work following the storm damage.

"It is excellent to see the sleeper wall going back at the West Bay, and the ongoing work to repair the harbour wall. East Lothian Council has put in a huge amount of work into making this happen."