Scarborough Borough Council win national award for £25 million coastal protection works

Its efforts have been recognised in the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) annual awards as it was named best team in the construction and building service category.

It saw off competition from much larger authorities – including Swansea, Lancashire County and Wigan councils – to secure the top accolade.

The team led three major coastal projects which totalled a £25 million investment in 2019.

£6.76 million saw the refurbishment of Whitby’s grade two listed East and West piers.

The work included the stabilisation of sandstone blocks, voids filled with concrete and the installation of a flood deflector wall.

Construction was challenging because of the weather and working so close to the water.

The £16 million Scarborough Spa slope stabilisation scheme saw 206 piles driven deep into the ground at the rear of the Spa complex.

More than 4,000 soil nail reinforcements were also used to reduce the risk of the slope collapsing, and the nearby seawall was strengthened.

The investment in Runswick Bay’s coastal protection scheme totalled £2.28 million.

Repairs were made to the seawall and 9,500 tonnes of Norwegian granite was used to bolster sea defences. The work also boosted marine life habitats.

In total, more than 1,000 homes, businesses and listed structures will be better protected for the next 100 years as a result of the three schemes.

Cllr Janet Jefferson, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said:

“I am delighted the hard work of the projects team has been recognised in this way.

“To beat off competition from bigger councils with much greater resources is a fantastic achievement.

“These schemes were a success already with hundreds of homes and businesses protected for the next 100 years.

“However, it is brilliant they have been acknowledged further by the APSE national awards.”

Cllr Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for environment and sustainability, said:

“This is a superb result for our projects team.

“To secure an award like this means their work is recognised at national level and puts our borough, and this council, in the spotlight.

“The three projects were ambitious and challenging, but our projects team delivered them successfully, at or below budget, and, in one case, five weeks ahead of schedule.

“Our £25 million investment will protect our coastal communities for years to come.”