Butlin's protected as Minehead coastal project completed

The Environment Agency has completed a £1 million project to extend rock armour along 100 metres of vulnerable shoreline near Butlins and Minehead Golf Course.

The work, which the government says has finished on time and on budget ahead of the summer season, is expected to better protect around 355 properties along the vulnerable sea ridge.

Nearly 4,000 tonnes of pink granite, sourced from Cornwall, were used to reinforce a shingle ridge at the Warren, which is particularly exposed to erosion during winter storms and high tides. Around 250 lorry loads of the material were transported to the site during construction.

The scheme follows earlier work in 2023, when 14,500 tonnes of granite were used to strengthen Minehead’s sea wall. Officials say ongoing erosion made this latest phase necessary, as climate change increases the risk of coastal flooding.

Environment Agency workers were on site strengthening the sea defences in May. (Image: Environment Agency)

Bert Leach, of the Environment Agency, said: “We’re confident these defences will keep Minehead protected well into the future. We’re grateful to everyone for their patience and support during construction.”

The improvements are also expected to help reduce the impact of flash flooding in the area, while the West Somerset Coast Path has now reopened following the works.

Ben Parker, of Minehead Town Council, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for Minehead. The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive.

"These defences give residents and businesses real confidence that Minehead is well protected against coastal flooding, both now and in the years ahead.”

The Environment Agency said it will continue annual maintenance to ensure the town’s coastal defences remain effective for years to come.