​A GREEN light has been given to plans for a £4million flood defence system to be built on Margate seafront.

As they stand, the town’s sea walls only protect the town against a one-in-20-year flood risk.

But with sea levels expected to rise, and fears that climate change could increase the ferocity of storms, Thanet council is now looking at measures to defend against more serious weather.

At a meeting last week, its cabinet approved a £4million scheme, which will see concrete steps on the sea side of the wall next to The Parade, and a new floodgate at the town end of the harbour arm.

Development boss Cllr Roger Latchford said the scheme, though expensive, would not impinge on the look of the seafront like other, cheaper, options.

Lifeboatman and Margate central councillor, John Watkins welcomed the move.

He said: “Flood protection at Margate has been a constant task since the Nayland Rock Stone Groyne and the Harbour Arm were first constructed at the start of the nineteenth century.”

“These two sea defences shaped the famous Margate Main sands that helped to make the town a famous seaside resort. However, rising sea levels in this century now make additional work necessary.”

The scheme also has the backing of traders in the Old Town, whose businesses would be the first hit by any deluge.

Anne-Marie Nixey, chair of the Old Town Action Group, said: “The Old Town is busy preparing for the opening of the Turner Contemporary and anything that protects the coastline and gives our members peace of mind is very welcome.”