Seaford Town Council updates residents on seasonal coastal flood protection measures and winter access arrangements.

Seaford Town Council has been notified by the Environment Agency that storm boards will be installed along Seaford promenade on Friday 23 October, ahead of the forecast of strong winds and gusts highlighted in the Met Office weather warning.

The storm boards form an important part of the town’s coastal flood defence arrangements, helping to protect the seafront and nearby areas during periods of adverse weather, high tides and rough seas.

Why are the storm boards needed?

During the autumn and winter months, the Sussex coast can experience powerful winds, high tides and severe coastal conditions. These can cause waves and shingle to overtop the sea defences, potentially affecting the promenade, nearby roads and surrounding areas.

The concrete sea wall along Seaford promenade includes gaps to allow pedestrian access to the beach. The storm boards, also known as stop logs, are fitted into these openings to create a more continuous barrier, helping to reduce the risk of water and shingle passing through the gaps during stormy conditions.

While the boards cannot remove all risks associated with coastal flooding and overtopping, they provide an important additional layer of protection during periods of increased risk.

Winter arrangements and pedestrian access

As part of the agreed winter arrangements, three designated locations will remain open to help maintain pedestrian access to the beach:

• Buckle Car Park

• West View

• The Causeway

These locations are known as the agreed winter gaps. They will normally remain open during the autumn and winter period unless a Flood Alert, Flood Warning or Severe Flood Warning is issued, or circumstances indicate that further action is required.

If the flood risk increases, the storm boards may need to be reinstated at these locations to help strengthen the coastal defences.

The Environment Agency will arrange for its Field Team to remove the boards at the three designated locations as part of the agreed winter arrangements with Seaford Town Council, with the gaps remaining subject to monitoring and any necessary action in response to flood risk.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of weather warnings, take care along the seafront during periods of strong winds and rough seas, and follow any safety advice or restrictions in place.

Seaford Town Council will continue to share relevant updates with the community as required.