SEA walls in urgent need of repair are set for an £80,000 fix.

Lewes District Council cabinet members made the decision ysterday to save the 70 metre wall in Peacehaven to reduce the risk of damage to the town’s cliffs.

The structure is one of 19 groynes which stand to protect the cliffs from erosion – as well as the hundreds of homes which stand on them.

“Groyne 19” is particularly exposed to large waves because it faces east, which has resulted in significant damage to the face of the sea wall.

Councillor Isabelle Linington, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment, said: “To reduce the risk of the damaged area increasing in size we hope to have the repair completed before the worst of the winter conditions arrive, but this will depend on favourable weather and tides.”

They are also looking longer term.

Councillor Andy Smith, leader of the district council, said: “While the council does not have a statutory duty to maintain coastal defences, we do have permissive powers to protect the coast from erosion and having considered all the factors in this case we agreed that the necessary funds should be allocated to it.”

He added: “The district council is also working on a multi-agency basis to develop long-term options that address the challenges posed by coastal erosion.

“These findings will be ultimately considered by the Environment Agency, the body responsible for building new sea defences.”