The proposal was made in the East Head to Pagham draft coastal defence strategy released today by the EA.

Medmerry has been badly hit by storms in recent years, with some properties already crumbling under the sea's grip.

The EA outlined in its draft strategy it would work with landowners to define new defence lines and locate where it could create a new space for a new tidal habitat.

James Humphrys, Solent and South Downs area manager for the EA, said it recognised the threat of flooding and erosion, but central government funding was limited.

"We cannot prevent all flooding and erosion. The storm back in March that washed away the shingle beach at Medmerry and flooded the caravan site was a stark reminder for us all," he said

In the strategy the EA proposes to sustain sea defences in Selsey, which includes Selsey East Beach, Selsey Bill and Selsey West Beach.

Groynes and sea wall defences in Selsey would need to be raised because of the risks from rising sea levels over the next century.

There was strong support from Selsey residents to 'hold the line', but the most important issue for the area is its current low priority status for national funding.

It is estimated the cost of sustaining the sea defences would be £111m over the next 100 years. However, the EA said it was unlikely central
government would fund it.

It would cost £26m (including costs for habitat creation) over the next century to carry out managed realignment at Medmerry and the strategy says the government would be likely to fund it.

People suggested a number of alternative options for managing the sea defences at Medmerry, including offshore reefs or sea walls from rock.

The offshore reefs would be placed in the water and used to break the power of the waves. The EA has included these alternatives in its assessments.

Save Our Selsey campaigner Roland O'Brien said: "We need a sensible and flexible way. We believe the offshore reef idea is the best one. If not we should hold the line and use shingle replenishment, shingle recycling or a revetment to prevent flooding.

"Central government has under-funded the coastal defence for many years. If it was a road that needed work, the government would pay for it. no question."

Residents have until August 29 to make their voice heard before the final strategy is produced later in the year.



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