Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham is calling for urgent action to address severe coastal erosion at Earnse Bay on Walney Island.

Furness took a pounding when Storm Ashley blew in last weekend, with the island’s exposed western flank feeling the full force of its blast.

Unusual weather events linked to climate change have resulted in the Earnse Bay shoreline receding significantly in recent years, and only weeks ago large sections of an old concrete wall collapsed after being undermined by the advancing sea.

READ MORE: Royal Mint: £1 'error' King Charles coin auctioned for £1.2k

Before the storm’s arrival just a narrow stretch of path remained giving access to the North Walney Nature Reserve from West Shore Park.

But even that footway was destroyed completely in the wake of gale-force winds and a tide of more than 30 metres.

The savage weather also created a hole in existing sea defences around 500 metres south of Earnse Bay.

Mrs Scrogham carried out a lengthy inspection of the site on Friday along with Westmorland and Furness Council leader Jonathan Brook, cabinet member for climate, biodiversity and environmental services Giles Archibald, senior officers responsible for flood and coast risk management and Walney councillors.

The MP subsequently met with senior Environment Agency officials where she requested their urgent support to find a solution.

After the visit she said: “Climate change is having a major bearing on increased coastal erosion all around the UK and our community is not immune.

“The damage at Earnse Bay is advanced and West Shore Park residents are rightly asking for remedial works to be carried out so they can have peace of mind.

“As a first step contractors have been engaged to remove fencing so residents and visitors can have access to the nature reserve.

MAKING A POINT: Michelle Scrogham MP and council leader Jonathan Brook survey the scene where Storm Ashley caused further erosion (Image: Westmorland and Furness Council) “We now need to see the sea defences reinforced and I am urgently pressing the council and the Environment Agency to ensure we see progress.

“I will also be making contact with park owners, the Berkeley Leisure Group, to remind the company of its responsibilities as we combine to find long-term solutions to this problem.

“Today’s visit has brought things into sharp focus.

“I can’t promise an immediate fix, but I can pledge that I will be pressing hard to bring about the improvements that everyone wants to see.”

West Shore Park Residents’ Association treasurer Christine Clarke said: "Residents and local people that use the pathways are concerned about the erosion and we are pleased to see our MP and senior council officers looking to find a solution."