Coastal erosion has had a devastating impact on residents and businesses in communities across Start bay in South Devon in recent months. Coastal protections have been breached, properties have been damaged and the partial destruction of the A379 Slapton Line will have a significant economic and social impact on the wider area, including on our tourism industry. A petition running online and in my constituency about this issue has reached over 39,000 signatures in just over two weeks, signed by people from across the UK, illustrating the impact on locals and visitors alike. I thank all those in the local community who have gathered signatures.
The petition states:
The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that accelerated coastal erosion in the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands has had a devastating impact on residents and businesses including significant damage to properties; and further declares that the partial destruction of the A379 Slapton Line will have a significant economic and social impact on the wider area, due to increased travel times including for the emergency services.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to support coastal communities affected by coastal erosion in Start Bay, including the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands, in the short and long term.
And the petitioners remain, etc.
[P003163]