LYME REGIS COBB UNDER THREAT
The iconic Cobb has existed in various forms for over 700 years attracting countless visitors to Lyme Regis and the setting for many films. But in addition to its stark beauty, the Cobb has a much more serious purpose by protecting the Lyme Regis seafront and harbour from the ravages of the sea. Should the Cobb be allowed to fail the impact on the seafront of Lyme Regis would be catastrophic. Every storm would see more of the beach, the seafront buildings and the roadways being taken by the sea, both east and west of the harbour. Within 20 years the whole of the seafront as we know and love it, from Monmouth Beach to East Cliff, would disappear. This cannot be allowed to happen.
On numerous occasions throughout its long life the Cobb has been breached and partially destroyed by storm damage and erosion of the seabed beneath it. The last significant breach occurred in 1824 after which the structure was substantially rebuilt into the structure we see today.
Our Cobb is under threat again. Dorset Council engineers have forecast that without significant stabilisation work the Cobb will fail within the next 10 years. An inspection earlier this year revealed a significant hole at the base of the outer wall which threatens the integrity of its structure now. Urgent work to repair this defect is being carried out before winter storms cause more damage but this work, whilst welcome, only addresses part of the Cobb’s structural problems. The required stabilisation work, identified as Phase 5 of the Lyme Regis Environmental Protection Scheme, is years late and there is still no agreed design for the scheme. The scheme is also currently under-funded with only £2.7m earmarked towards the projected £8.45m cost.
Residents of the town, and the many visitors who visit and love Lyme Regis, need information about the threats to the town and what options are being considered to counter these threats. They also need to have a voice.
An Engagement Event has been organised by Dorset Coast Forum for Thursday 27th November in the Jubilee Pavilion, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. This is the opportunity for you to find out from Dorset Council specialists about the threats facing the Cobb, learn about options they are considering, and the challenges they face in bringing a viable stabilisation solution into reality – before it is too late.
PLEASE COME ALONG TO THE EVENT ON 27TH NOVEMBER TO FIND OUT MORE AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON THIS IMPORTANT TOPIC WHICH IS VITAL FOR OUR COBB AND FOR LYME REGIS AS A WHOLE.
Details of the 27th November event can be found on the Dorset Coast Forum website at:
www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay/lyme-regis-cobb-stabilisation-scheme
