The tourist industry in coastal towns is threatened by the effects of flooding in the future, Government scientists have warned.

Their report, Future Flooding, looks at the effects of global warming, rising sea levels and extreme weather up to the year 2080 and warns the cost of flood damage could rise by 20 times over the next century.

Sir David King led 60 experts in compiling the report, which says major areas of Sussex with a potential for tidal surge are at high risk and large farmed areas might be lost to the sea or sacrificed for coastal defence.

Some 45,000 homes in the county are at risk.

It says: "In some cases abandonment of parts of urban areas, with councils buying up property to create new open areas to take floodwater, will be necessary.

"Some structures such as oil refineries could be relocated (inland). However, other assets such as coastal towns will be difficult to relocate.

"In Wales and other parts of the UK, erosion could threaten beaches and therefore tourism."

The threat of rising sea levels is made worse because the UK is gradually tilting - the South-East is sinking while the North-West is rising.

Figures also show the British weather is warming up.

The year 2002 was the second warmest in a record spanning 150 years - 1998 was the warmest and 1997 and 2001 were close behind.

Summer droughts and winter flooding are expected to follow the temperature rise.

Studies of long-term trends at the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia have found winter precipitation could increase by more than 20 per cent by the 2080s.

Peter Midgely, area manager for the Environment Agency, said flood and coastal defences were already being strengthened. A £6 million project was under way at Shoreham.

Rocks from Norway and shingle from the Isle of Wight were being shipped in to build ten groynes as part of major works to protect Shoreham and Lancing from flooding.

Mr Midgely admitted environmental damage could hit the coastal tourist industry.

He said: "Tourism could be affected. All land below 4.5m is in the tidal flood plain and would be subject to increased flooding of a longer duration.

"We are trying to work together with local authorities to protect the beaches and flood areas. If the sea level rises, areas of Sussex could end up under water. We need the beaches to maintain our economy.

"We have to take steps now and each individual can do their bit."

Dr Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for the South-East, said: "This new report from the Government is proposing relocation inland of some coastal facilities like refineries.

"This shows the extent of the problem. We can't relocate a seaside town or a port.

"The report underlines what the Greens have been saying for years, that climate change is the biggest threat to our economy in coming decades.

"Building more sea defences and moving oil refineries inland is treating the symptoms, not curing the disease.

"There's still time to act but we must act urgently. Europe can play a decisive role in stopping climate change."

Friday April 23, 2004