Walton: Naze campaigners want prompt action

From the archive, first published Monday 13th Oct 2003.

Stop wasting time - and start protecting the Naze. That was the strong and clear message sent out in a bid to move forward with a new scheme to save cliffs and buildings at Walton

A project costing about £600,000 over the next 20 years has been put forward and involves extending a rock armour wall an extra 200 metres to join up with the sea wall.

It has the backing of campaigners and only needs the blessing of English Nature - which has rejected other initiatives in the past, but seems happier with the latest idea.

The aim is to save the grade two listed Naze Tower and cafe, as well as protecting properties in Hall Lane which would eventually be affected by erosion from the sea.

The new initiative was proposed by Tendring Council's cabinet and the money is already in the budget.

But Graham Potter (Lib Dem, Manningtree, Mistley, Little Bentley and Tendring) feared the work did not go far enough - and wanted it to be taken back to the full council.

But David Lines (Con, Great and Littley Oakley), who lives in Frinton, said it would be a mistake to delay further.

"Are we going to be just another in a long line of bodies discussing the Naze, coming up with ideas, but getting nothing done?" he said.

"The merit of what is in front of us is that it is a practical solution which would start to get something done."

Both Mick Page (Con, Walton) and Harry Shearing, portfolio holder for technical and contract services, said the scheme in front of the council was the only viable one on the table which could get backing.

Published Friday October 10, 2003

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