The vicar of a coastal church in Northumberland says urgent action has to be taken to prevent its graveyard from falling into the sea.
Thirty years ago work was undertaken to shore up the coastal defences near St Bartholomew’s Church at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea after storms had lowered sand levels by as much as 15 metres.
However, a debate in the House of Commons in July heard that the church is at risk of serious coastal erosion. Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington, Ian Lavery said: “St Bartholomew’s church in Newbiggin- by-the-Sea, in my constituency, is a Grade I listed building. It is a beautiful church but it is in serious danger of sliding into the North Sea because of coastal erosion.
“Sadly, the last government allowed funding for sea defences only to protect residential properties. Can we have a debate in government time to discuss how to change that rule before this lovely church and some of its former residents slide into the North Sea?”
In reply, Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell apologised and said coastal erosion was one of the key challenges facing the region. She added that it is being prioritised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Speaking to the BBC, Rev O’Grady said: “You can see elements of decay already at the base of it: it’s beginning to crumble…St Bartholomew's has been a welcoming focal point in this town for hundreds of years . . . an integral part of the past, the present, and the future life of this place and all that it might become”.
Northumberland County Council is believed to have secured funding for a detailed study of the sea defences in the area.