Resort on alert for high tides

FELIXSTOWE was today getting over a buffeting delivered by enormous waves which battered the seafront, causing a trail of damage.

Spectacular seas smashed on to the prom yesterday sending spray shooting 30ft into the air.

The waves - fuelled by unexpected onshore strong winds - flooded the seafront gardens, shelters and toilets, with some waves even lapping over into Sea Road.

Part of Manor Terrace was flooded as water found a way through the defences, with homes and gardens in the area being protected by floodboards and sandbags.

As the tide receded, council officials inspected the area. Gardens were strewn with shingle and sand and plants were broken, some coping stones had been knocked off the walls, and five sections of the prom had been damaged.

The power of the sea had lifted up huge sections of the concrete walkway, flinging them several feet.

But the rocks protecting the prom seemed to have held firm, preventing serious damage.

A few beach huts at the Manor End were jostled together. Earlier in the week those opposite Beach Station Road had been moved - had they not, they would have been wrecked.

Coastguard Jo Arlow said yesterday: “What we have seen today has been quite spectacular but the worst is yet to come. The tides over the weekend are expected to be higher.”

Weather forecasters said the wind was due to again be north-north-easterly today but tomorrow will swing round due east which will send the waves directly on to the seafront. However, the wind is not expected to be as strong.

Mr Arlow said coastguards had been present to try to keep people safe, giving advice and stopping people sitting or standing on the sea wall at the height of the tides.

Are you worried about flooding this winter? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk.