Action plan to help manage Wirral's coastal erosion





AN action plan is to be drawn up to determine the best way to manage the changing coast between Heswall and Eastham, now and for future generations.And your help is needed to make sure that the plans are realistic, suitable and achievable.

Wirral Council is working with the North West England and North Wales Coastal Group, the Environment Agency and other organisations to produce the plan.

Director of technical services at Wirral Council, David Green, said: “Wirral’s coast is home to many internationally important environmental sites and the defences that form part of this coast protect homes, businesses and infrastructure from erosion and flooding.

"Predictions around climate change will accelerate changes at the coast and increase the risk from flooding and erosion.

“The future management of the coast is vitally important and it is equally important that people have their say on the shoreline management plan to make sure their views about their homes businesses and interests are represented.”

Pete Fox, Environment Agency North West flood and coastal risk manager, said: “It’s really important that local communities work with the Environment Agency, local authorities and others to produce the shoreline management plans and coastal erosion risk maps.

"This will ensure we all get the best possible outcomes for people and the environment in Wirral and beyond.”

To have your say on the plans and find out more visit www.mycoastline.org

Once completed, the plans will be released around June of next year along with maps showing predicted rates of erosion along the whole of the coast.

These will be used to assist planners in making decisions about development and to help shape the work that local uuthorities and the Environment Agency do to protect homes and business and improve the environment.

During the consultation and beyond the council will be holding workshop meetings for local communities along the coast about the plan and maps to help them understand what it means to them and get their input.

The first workshop is set to take place this Thursday, December 10 at the Kings Gap Court Hotel, Hoylake, from 7pm till 8.30pm.

THE GLOBE