The Devon coastal village of Torcross is in a desperate 'race against time' to prevent itself from being washed away entirely, after the Environment Agency (EA) approved a £19.8 million improvement scheme. The funding, announced following severe storms that damaged properties and washed away a section of the main A379 road, aims to bolster the village's sea defences.
Storm damage and urgent repairs
Last winter, properties in Torcross were damaged, and a huge section of the A379, the main road linking the village to the neighbouring community of Slapton, was washed away. In February, villagers were left stranded amid 12ft waves during a powerful storm. The 300-strong community has described the road as a 'lifeline', and its closure has made access and transport increasingly difficult.
The EA's improvement scheme, set to begin this summer, will involve repositioning 55,000 tonnes of rock in front of the current sea defences. This will create a temporary protective line of rock armour. Additionally, the car park storm breach is scheduled to be repaired by June 2027, along with rock revetment work.
Residents' fears and timeline concerns
Despite a feeling of 'total jubilation' following the funding announcement, residents remain anxious that the sea defences may not be completed in time to save their homes. Hannah Miller, general manager at Start Bay Inn, said it was 'a race against time' to get the work done. 'If the storms are anything like they were this year and we don't have that in place, then it's going to be a pretty bleak future,' she added.
The repair of Slapton Line (the A379) is not covered by the planned Environment Agency project. The route connecting Torcross and Slapton was damaged when sea defences were destroyed in January's storms, and further damaged in February. At the time, Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden reportedly told locals the road might be closed for 'at least' a year. When questioned at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer said the damage was 'very concerning' and that the Government was investing to enhance flood and coastal defences.
Long-term outlook and expert comments
George Arnison, coastal engineer for the EA, acknowledged that while the scheme is 'value for money', it is not a permanent solution and there are 'no easy answers'. He stated: 'It will buy the community some time, buy the government some time, buy the Environment Agency some time, to think through what is the long term future here?' The village continues to face an uncertain future as climate change increases the frequency and severity of coastal storms.
