Local residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to have their say on how the risks related to coastal flooding and erosion along the Cumbrian coastline will be managed over the next century.Cumbria County Council is working with the Cumbria Coast Protection Authorities (District Councils) and the Environment Agency, to develop a strategy for the future management of the coast from Arnside to the Scottish Border.
The project is being funded by the Environment Agency and builds upon the ideas and policies presented in the North West Shoreline Management Plan. This large-scale plan set out policies for each stretch of coast. Views are now being sought on how these policies could be carried out.
The county council is launching a public engagement on Monday 19 November which will run until 14 December 2018. A range of opportunities are being provided for people to find out more and share their views. Public engagement drop-in events will be held at the following locations between 1pm to 7pm:
- Silloth library – Tuesday 20 November
- Whitehaven library – Wednesday 21 November
- Millom library – Tuesday 27 November
- Barrow-in-Furness library – Wednesday 28 November
- Grange-over-Sands library – Thursday 29 November
People can give their feedback by going online from Monday 19 November at www.cumbria.gov.uk/ccs. Printed feedback forms will also be available at the drop-in events and can be returned free of charge to: FREEPOST CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “In the future there is a risk that our sea defences could fail, or that risks from erosion and flooding will increase over time. This may lead to impacts on property and businesses located along our shoreline.
“We need a strategy so that we have a clear plan for managing coastal risks in the future. It is also needed for us to get approval from the government for future flood and coastal risk management schemes and to help secure national funds to contribute to the cost of defences.
“This strategy forms the first step in setting out our future approach to managing risks and will feed into our local plans.
“I’d strongly encourage people to take the time to get involved, read the engagement material, attend the events and have their say to make sure we fully understand and include the impacts this has on people, the local economy and the environment.”
More information about the coastal strategy is available online at cumbria.gov.uk/ccs
