Thousands sign petition calling for government to help Devon communities affected by coastal erosion

A petition calling on the government to do more for communities affected by coastal erosion at Start Bay, Devon, has been signed by more than eight thousand people.

It comes comes after the partial collapse of the A379 Slapton Line and significant damage occurred to properties at Torcross last.

The petition was set up my South Devon MP Caroline Voaden who said the communities in Start Bay are "the canary in the coalmine in our fight against climate change."

Part of the A379 coast road near Torcross collapsed after sea defences were damaged during last month’s storms.

Residents woke up on Tuesday, February 3, to find a section of the road had washed away.

The government has previously said it would would work with the county council while the authority decided what action needed to be taken.

South Devon MP, Caroline Voaden, said “Communities affected by coastal erosion at Start Bay are the canary in the coalmine in our fight against climate change.

"The government must treat this issue with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. While Labour is consumed by its own psychodramas, lives and businesses are at stake, homes threatened.

"That this petition amassed thousands of signatures in hours demonstrates not only the strength of feeling about the crisis at Start Bay but how worried vulnerable communities are across the country about our changing climate.”

The MP met with senior officials at the Department for Transport on Tuesday and called on the Local Transport Minister to boost funding for communities affected by coastal erosion.

The Department for Transport has said it is providing over £443 million for road maintenance in the area over the next four years, along with £667 million across the UK, to protect communities from the sea.