Work progresses on historic Lynemouth pollution

The Council has already undertaken ground investigation works at the site to gain a better understanding of the types and extent of waste in the ground.

The current phase of activity requires further, even more detailed ground investigations to provide a comprehensive  picture of the site, which is needed to develop the in-depth plans for restoring the area.

It comes after the Council’s Cabinet agreed funding in May to kick-start the clean-up work.

Estimates suggest the project could cost in the region of £7.5m. The Council made financial provision of £2.5m when it set out its financial plans for the next three years at its meeting in February this year. The Council’s Cabinet agreed to release an initial £500,000 so that essential pre-construction activities can be progressed.

While the pre-construction activities will be funded entirely by the council, additional sources of funding are being sought to support the main work.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: ‘This work is key to understanding more about the scope of what we’re dealing with and we’re delighted we now have the machinery and teams on the ground carrying out the investigations. We remain fully committed to tackling these pollution issues once and for all and restoring this stretch of coastline to its former glory.’

James Potter from BAM Nuttall who are carrying out the work said: ‘BAM Nuttall and Royal Haskoning DHV are excited to be delivering this fantastic project for Northumberland County Council. The site investigation work we are undertaking will help determine how the much needed environmental improvements to the coastline at Lynemouth can progress, bringing great benefits to the environment, local residents and people in the surrounding area. We look forward to engaging with the community throughout the project to help leave a lasting legacy once environmental improvement work is complete.’

Since the problem was identified a number of temporary measures have been introduced in the area. These include air monitoring, the temporary diversion of the England Coastal Path and continued pollution clearance.

The council has also been doing additional clean-up visits on the beach to remove any waste materials that are washing out from the site.

Click here for the original press release.