Work on sea defences at Aberaeron set to begin

Ceredigion County Council is preparing preliminary works on a new coastal defence scheme after being awarded Welsh Government funding.

In October, mayor Cllr Elizabeth Evans warned that there was nothing preventing Aberaeron’s historic South Pier from collapsing beyond "a hope and a prayer".

She said she feared that the dilapidated pier – which has been cordoned off for over 11 years due to safety issues – was in danger of falling into the sea due to Welsh Government "inaction" and expressed frustration that the structure – which dates back to Napoleonic times – still appeared no nearer a much-needed overhaul.

But County Hall has now confirmed that work will soon begin.

“Ceredigion council has been awarded Welsh Government grant funding to design a coastal defence scheme for Aberaeron Harbour and South Beach as outlined in the Project Appraisal Report that was completed in 2014,” said a spokesperson.

“The ground investigation works planned for South Beach and the wider harbour area will provide information which will be used to develop the scheme.

"The council will be publishing a newsletter in advance of the ground investigation works and consulting fully with the public and community in Aberaeron as proposals based on the preferred scheme are developed.”