Helping Ourselves

In order that we are prepared for a situation where a breach has occurred and the Environment Agency is not willing to repair it, Walberswick Sea Defence Group is developing an emergency action plan. To proceed with this plan we will need to have secure financial backing.

The Group are therefore seeking financial assistance from members of the community and others who feel able to support the cause. We do not want any monies immediately but we do need to know how much you are willing to pledge and therefore how much will be available when needed. For the first tranche of donations the Trust has promised that for every £1 pledged it will add 50p up to a maximum of £10,000.

The initial pledged target for the Fund will be £25,000 to £30,000; when required, the money will be called in on a pro-rata basis.

The operating principles of the Fund are as follows:

  • The Fund itself is being established by the Walberswick Common Land Trust on behalf of the Sea Defence Group.


  • The Fund will be maintained in a dedicated bank account.


  • Every six months the Sea Defence Group will provide donors with a Fund report.


  • The Group intends to ask donors only for sufficient donations to meet current expenses (Probably once every six months).


  • If the amount required for current expenses is less than the total pledged by all donors, then the Group will ask for a reduced donation on a pro-rata basis (minimum of £5).


  • When donations are required, the Group will write to each donor asking them to make their donation within five working days.


  • Donors will be required to make their donations either by cash, cheque or bank transfer. Details will be provided at the time.


  • The Group intends to publicly thank donors and to announce the total amount pledged. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please tick the appropriate box.

THE TRUST'S POSITION

The Charity Trustees have considered the current sea defence situation and do not believe it would be appropriate for the Trust to be the sole financier of the fighting fund. This would risk depleting the Trust's finances to a level which could prejudice its legal obligation to maintain its property, such as the recent project to protect the river bank downstream of the sluice. The Trust must also be in a position to provide emergency funding if called upon at short notice. Therefore the Trustees have decided to make the £10,000 unallocated surplus for 2006 available to support the initial fighting fund and will consider future funding requests on a case by case basis.


The 1953 Sea Wall - covered in grass - the last line of defence.
The 1953 Sea Wall - covered in grass - the last line of defence.

Website designed, maintained and hosted by Blythweb Ltd.