Have your say on flooding and coastal erosion protection (From Bournemouth Echo)

Have your say on flooding and coastal erosion protection

10:30am Tuesday 3rd August 2010 in

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COMMUNITIES in Dorset are being asked for their say on how the Environment Agency protects them from floods and coastal erosion over the next 100 years.

The agency says that local knowledge and experience are key to holding back Mother Nature as sea levels rise.

It is launching the Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and Wareham Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy, which follows a broader study that looked at flood risk and erosion between Hengistbury Head and Durlston Head.

Now, working with councils in Dorset, it is looking in more detail at what needs to be done.

Steve Rendell, from the Environment Agency, said: “We are doing this to work out the best way to protect communities and the environment into the future as sea levels rise.”

The aim now is to develop general policies into plans that detail solutions in areas that need work.

Mr Rendell added: “Once it is completed and approved, the strategy will guide much of the flood, coast, beach and wildlife habitat protection work that we and the local authorities do in this area in the future.”

The scheme will also include decisions on where to create new wildlife habitats to compensate for losses caused by rising seas.

Mr Rendell said: “In meeting these objectives, we will take into consideration the impact on people and the environment along this coast and within Poole Harbour, and the cost of implementing any measures.

“We will also take account of the views and concerns of local people and organisations.

“It is essential that the strategy adequately reflects the issues and concerns of the communities, businesses and organisations which have an interest in this coastline. We need to make sound decisions based on the best available information, science and expert opinion.”

To register an interest, e-mail PooleandWarehamStrategy@atkinsglobal.com, or write to Steve Rendell, Environment Agency, Manley House, Kestrel Way, Exeter, EX2 7LQ.