Work has started on a new flood defence scheme for the village of Pentewan, which will see properties currently vulnerable to coastal flooding protected for at least another 50 years. 

The work, delivered by Cormac on behalf of Cornwall Council, follows years of planning and joint working by the Parish Council, Cornwall Council, The Environment Agency, Pentewan Sands Ltd and the local community, alongside Member of Parliament Steve Double. 

Mr Double, along with local Cornwall councillor James Mustoe and chairman of Pentewan Valley Parish Council Mike Ward, have visited the site to see the works taking place and get an update on when they are due to being completed. 

Mr Double said: “I am delighted to have worked with local people and secured the funding from DEFRA for these much-needed flood defences.” 

“Pentewan is sadly a village that has been affected by flooding in the past and combined with climate change and the deterioration of the old harbour wall, the prospect of further severe flooding in the future was very real.” 

“I am pleased to have worked with all involved to have come up with a practical and deliverable solution that will safeguard the village from flooding for years to come, and it is good to see this now being worked on ahead of the summer season.” 

Cllr Mustoe said: “It was great to visit the site of the works for the new flood defences at Pentewan today. It has been a long and arduous journey to get here, but this is a fantastic example of all levels of democracy working together to deliver something for the community that we represent.” 

“Thanks to all involved, and in particular to Cormac who have said they hope to have these works completed before Easter in order to minimise disruption to Pentewan and the wider community.” 

Cllr Mike Ward added: “The harbour entrance wall at Pentewan was badly damaged during the storms of 2013/14 and has continued to deteriorate since. The threat of the village flooding from the sea is increasing year on year. 

“Pentewan Parish Council with the assistance of Steve Double MP initiated work to explore a solution. A partnership formed with a project funded by the Parish Council, Cornwall, Council, The Environment Agency, Pentewan Sands Ltd and the local community. Many years of planning has resulted in this scheme being constructed today. When complete it is designed to protect up to 38 properties in the village from flooding over a lifetime of 50 years. It is also designed to be easily removed should a viable scheme to reopen the harbour be implemented.” 

“I would like to thank Steve Double MP for his continued support and all those involved in the funding and development of the scheme. It is a great example of different organisations working effectively together to achieve a good outcome.”