Have your say on Wirral coast plan

Dec 9 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Wirral 320

THE public is being asked to help Wirral Council plan how the transforming coastline between Heswall and Eastham should be managed over the next 100 years.

Experts say climate change and rising sea levels will increase the risk of flooding and erosion to the coast, affecting the places where people live and work.

Some believe parts of the Dee Estuary, which includes Hilbre, pictured, should be allowed to erode to provide valuable habitats for wildlife, while some back improvements to coastal defences.

Predicted rates of erosion will be released in 2010.

Wirral Council is working on the plan with the North West England and North Wales Coastal Group and the Environment Agency.

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.”

David Green, Wirral Council’s director of technical services, 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.

“The future management of the coast is vitally important and it is important that people have their say on the Shoreline Management Plan to make sure their views are represented.”

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

A workshop will take place on Thursday, December 10 at the Kings Gap Court Hotel, Hoylake, between 7 and 8.30pm.