Work on coastal defence schemes in Aberystwyth and Aberaeron could start in 2020.

While consultants are currently carrying out modelling of flood risks in Aberaeron as part of the scheme, the council has been working on a full business case for the Aberystwyth scheme for the Welsh Government, which is being submitted this month.

The schemes, which have already won backing during a consultation, are aimed at improving coastal defences as well as looking at improvements that could be made to help boost the local economy.

Plans for Aberystwyth include an overtopping defence wall at the back of the promenade and boosting the current sea wall. The Aberaeron scheme would see the replacement of the South Pier, a reprofiling of South Beach along with new groynes and a low wall, and repointing of the current inner harbour wall.

Members of the council’s thriving communities scrutiny committee have heard it is hoped that contractors to carry out the work would be appointed soon after the Welsh Government gives final approval.

Work could then start in 2020 for both schemes.

The Welsh Government funding scheme requires work to begin before April 2022.

A report said: “Under the Coastal Risk Management Programme, construction must commence before April 2022, and it is currently anticipated that construction works for the Aberaeron scheme will commence in spring 2020 and that Aberystwyth will follow soon after in autumn 2020, with both schemes obviously subject to full public consultation and obtaining the necessary consents.”

The Aberaeron scheme was accepted to go to the full business case stage, but the Welsh Government asked for more information for the Aberystwyth development to go to outline business case stage, with that work now done.

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