A PUBLIC consultation on ways of tackling future flood risk management is underway after a draft strategy was drawn up by Wirral council.

Climate change is changing the flood and erosion risk in the borough, which has extensive residential areas near the coast and inland watercourses.

Despite this, the area has avoided historically significant flooding with records showing that it tends to occur following a number of high intensity storm events or extended periods of heavy rain.

As part of its strategic approach to flood and coastal defence, the authority has just published its draft local flood risk management strategy and is looking for comments from agencies, businesses and the public.

The peninsula was lashed by a tidal surge in early December 2013, causing more than £250,000 of destruction across coastal areas - New Brighton, West Kirby and Meols suffered worst.

Cllr Bernie Mooney, Wirral's cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: "Wirral takes its responsibilities for coastal and flooding protection extremely seriously and we have a programme already in place to protect homes and businesses from flood damage in all areas of the borough.

"This document describes how we will meet the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change.

"We are particularly looking for feedback from people whose properties or businesses have been flooded in the past, or feel that they are at risk from flood damage.

"The exceptional storms of December 2013 highlighted the importance of our coastal defences, which provide protection to thousands of properties in Wirral.

"Despite cuts to government funding, these defences are working well, with a six-year programme that covers coastal areas including West Kirby, Rock Ferry, and other areas.

"We now want to hear the public’s concerns about what is, and what is not, working well, and where they feel we need to build more resilience."

The draft strategy aims to ensure:

  • That Wirral’s communities are safe, resilient, involved, and adapted to the changing flood and erosion risk.
  • That its natural environments and the ecosystems are maintained and enhanced, and are adaptable to climate change.
  • That its finite natural resources will be used efficiently and managed for future generations.
  • That the historic and cultural environments are managed for the benefit of the present and future generations.

The strategy can be found on Wirral Council’s website www.wirral.gov.uk

Your views should be sent in writing to Wirral Council by email: neilthomas@wirral.gov.uk or by post to Neil Thomas, Highways Assets, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1ND.