Razed dunes 'damage sea defence'

The trust said removing the dunes was detrimental to wildlife

A man who had sand dunes near his home bulldozed damaged sea defences, Lancashire Wildlife Trust has said.

The resident brought in contractors to reduce the height of dunes that were on his land, near Bentinck Road on North Promenade in St Annes.

The trust said it was deliberate damage as the resident had received advice against bulldozing the dunes.

A spokesman said the reduced height of the dunes meant the area had been left vulnerable to weather damage.

'Wildlife risk'

Sand dunes officer Anne Heslop said: "If we had a storm surge and a high tide together it could really over topple and impact the residents around the area."

Ms Heslop said the man's actions could lead to an increase in windblown sand and flooding, which could in turn cause damage to properties.

"Also, we're not too happy with it really as it could destroy the wildlife habitat we're trying to protect," she added.

Derek Eastwood, who lives nearby, said he did not consider the removal of the dunes as damage.

"If it was all taken away, then for people walking along here it would give them a lovely sea view," he said.

The trust, along with Fylde Council, is looking into whether the man needed planning permission to bulldoze the dunes.

He was unavailable for comment.