Lowestoft's disappearing sand

Sand levels on beaches in Lowestoft will not be replenished despite concerns about the amount of sand lost during recent bad weather.

Sand levels on beaches in Lowestoft will not be replenished despite concerns about the amount of sand lost during recent bad weather.

Members of Waveney District Council's coastal protection team inspected an area of the North Denes this week following complaints.

The beach levels at the Denes regularly come under scrutiny, as this area is one of several within Waveney where changing shoreline conditions are monitored.

A spokesman for Waveney District Council said: 'The recent bout of strong southerly winds has lowered beach levels over the frontage from Birds Eye to north of Swimming Pool Road. Measurements taken suggest that the extent of the scour is within the range of previous scouring events.

'However there are locations, notably opposite the Birds Eye Factory, where beach levels are very low. The existing public exclusion measures in this area remain adequate following this recent event and the public is advised not to enter parts of the beach that have been closed on safety grounds. Based upon previous experience it is probable that under average weather conditions, where there is a balance of wind from all directions, beach material will be moved from north to south and restore the beach levels that prevailed prior to the recent scour.

'The council does not plan to undertake works, or replenish the beach, however monitoring will continue and management measures will be reviewed.'