UK seaside town issues heartbreaking update on key attraction 'being lost for good'

A UK seaside resort has warned its famous 'Golden Sands' could be washed away "for good" without urgent work to stop crippling coastal erosion. For 250 years the Lancashire resort's sandy beaches and healthy sea bathing have lured British visitors as the first hotels opened, and then in 1846 the railway reached the town.

But in a bombshell new statement, Blackpool Council have revealed the iconic miles of sandy beaches could all be washed away and lost - without urgent Green Britain works. To tackle the crisis, they have unveiled plans for the 'Blackpool Beach Management scheme' - a proposed £57 million engineering project to see giant man made rock headlands built on the beach to trap sand.

Although vital, the rock headlands will also change the look of the beaches forever - as they will break the beach up into sections all the way to the sea.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council cabinet member for climate change, said: "The Blackpool Beach Management scheme is vital for securing Blackpool's future.

"Climate change is causing a shift in sand levels causing the beach line to lower. If we don't act now, Blackpool will lose its sandy beaches for good.

"I encourage all residents, visitors and business owners to come along to one of our drop-in sessions to view the plans, speak to members of the project team, and engage with the consultation."

The Blackpool Beach Management scheme is a £57m investment into coastal defences, protecting homes and businesses from flooding and "securing the future of Blackpool's much-loved golden sandy beaches."

The proposals include the construction of rock headlands along the beach, stretching from just south of South Pier to Cocker Square, just north of North Pier.

Blackpool Council has been awarded funding for these works from the Environment Agency.

The 17 rock headlands are about 100m (328ft) long and about 150m (492ft) apart will be needed as part of the plans.

The rock headlands will create sheltered areas along the coastline, reducing the impact of waves and wind while deflecting tidal currents.

This will help trap and retain the natural onshore supply of sand on the upper beach; in turn protecting existing coastal defences and reduce the risks of erosion and flooding.

This week the council unveiled the plans and are now inviting residents, visitors and businesses to view them and share their views, ahead of the formal planning application submission.

The consultation will open on Tuesday 9 September. There will also be three drop-in sessions for people to learn more about the scheme and speak to the project team.

The council added: "Blackpool is losing its beaches and unless urgent action is taken, they could be lost forever.

"As a result of climate change, sand levels are lowering exposing the clay underneath, posing a serious risk to sea defences.

"The beach provides the first line of defence against coastal erosion and flooding during storms by breaking waves."