Montrose coastal erosion 'critical' as parts of promenade collapse

It’s claimed coastal erosion in Montrose has reached a “critical” stage as sections of the seafront promenade collapsed during a high tide.

Dunes and sections of a road have also been washed away.

It’s one of a number of parts of the Angus coastline to be hit by stormy weather.

“We’re now at the stage where it’s absolutely critical here,” said Montrose Independent councillor, Tommy Stewart.

“I can’t emphasise that enough. This is a really, really serious situation here.

“We need to get this fixed quickly.”

Parts of the seafront began to give way over the weekend.

Nearby businesses fear what more damage could come.

“[It’s] pretty scary,” said café owner, Margaret Ferries.

“It’s an unknown entity, mother nature. There’s no arguing with her at times.

“We’re just going day by day, seeing how we get on.”

Discussions on how to best shore up Montrose’s seafront are ongoing.

The council is said to be considering several measures to try and tackle it.

An Angus Council spokesperson said: We have closed the road and footpath on Trail Drive approximately between the Beach car park and the Coastguard Station and have secured using heras fencing.

“We have also cordoned off the boardwalk to the beach. Please stay away.”

Other parts of the Angus coastline have also been hit in recent days.

A main sewer network near Carnoustie Golf Links burst, with 30m of pipe washed away.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Our first focus is on re-establishing a safe and secure environment, including costal protection, so that the pipeline can be repaired, and the sewer network returned to normal operation as quickly as possible, while ensuring impact on the environment is minimised.

“Weather and tide conditions over the coming weeks are expected to continue to present significant challenges. We are working with local contractors to get all the resources that we need ready so that work can begin as soon as it can do so safely.

“Our early assessments and engagement with contractors indicate that it may be several weeks before remedial works are complete.”