A multimillion-pound flood defence project protecting thousands of homes has started to deteriorate just months after it was unveiled.

Engineers from a construction company were on Monday accused by local councillors of botching the four-year scheme in Blackpool, which cost £27.1m.



Concerns have been raised after gaps formed between sections of the concrete sea wall due to water damage and panels showed signs of erosion.



The defences, designed to reduce the risk of flooding to 4,800 properties and businesses, were officially opened last October by the chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd. But on the day they were unveiled councillors complained after some panels lifted from the wall following a storm, and the first sign of problems came as far back as December 2014 when stone foundations and a concrete base crumbled into the sea.



The wall has since been beset by further problems and the contractor Balfour Beatty said it was aware of water leaking from a joint between concrete sections towards the northern end of the Anchorsholme flood defence.



Senior council directors have met engineers to find out why the problems are continuing, four years since the issues were first raised.



The project, in which about 1km of sea wall has been replaced, was funded by the Environment Agency using government money and managed by Blackpool council.



Tony Williams, the leader of the Conservative group at the council, said: “Local residents have been warning the council the sea defence was both faulty and failing. Anyone visiting the far end of the work can clearly see late patches of erosion, slabs not fitting correctly and allowing water to collect underneath the structure, which will eventually fail.

“Let’s hope this winter is a mild one as storms and high tides will add further to the existing problems and add even more to the risk of flooding and the eventual cost.”



Paul Maynard, the Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said he was concerned that the wall had started to deteriorate after significant amounts of public money went into the scheme.



He added: “It is important to establish what has gone wrong and for any remedial action to be completed as soon as possible. The most important thing is to ensure homes and businesses continue to be protected from flooding and with the autumn approaching this is clearly a matter of urgency.

“Whatever has led to this damage, the people of Blackpool should not be left at increased risk or out of pocket as a result. It is important we understand what has occurred and I will now be calling on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to independently investigate this issue.”

A spokesman for Balfour Beatty said it was investigating: “We are aware of water leaking from a joint between concrete revetment units, and some surface damage to revetment units, toward the northern end of the Anchorsholme flood defence. Parts of the sea wall at Anchorsholme are beginning to show signs of wear. Investigations are currently under way and we will continue to closely monitor the revetment to ensure the sea defences remain safe and secure.”

Councillor Fred Jackson, the cabinet member responsible for environmental services at the Labour-controlled council, assured the public that Balfour Beatty would carry out repairs without any cost to taxpayers.



He said: “With any project of this size, there can be additional work required to rectify any issues. The council has always been aware that surveys are being carried out that help inform appropriate repair solutions. Ongoing meetings are taking place with Balfour Beatty in order to agree the repair works programme.”

The scheme in the north of the town forms part of an £86m sea defence project.