10 December 2009, 09/293
Working together to tackle coastal change in West
Lancashire
Have your say on the best way to manage West Lancashire’s
coastline.
West Lancashire has approximately 13km of coastline that lies
within the River Ribble Estuary. Coastlines are constantly changing
due to the natural weathering that occurs from waves, strong tides
and winds. Alongside these factors, social, economic and
environmental pressures are increasing in the coastal areas around
Britain.
West Lancashire Borough Council is working with the North West
England and North Wales Coastal Group, the Environment Agency and
other organisations to manage coastal changes now and for future
generations.
To help plan the future management of the coastline and coastal
defences, a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was put in place in the
late 1990's. A draft second generation Shoreline Management Plan
(SMP2) has now been produced by the North West and North Wales
Coastal Group, which takes into account the latest available
information based upon current understanding of flood and coastal
erosion risks. The Draft Plan is now out to consultation to seek
the views of stakeholder organisations, businesses and the general
public on the action plans proposed.
If you live near to, or have an interest in this area of
coastline and you would like to take part in the SMP consultation,
visit www.mycoastline.org (external
link). Various consultation events are also taking place
throughout December in Lancashire, details of which are also on the
website. The consultation period for the draft document runs until
14 Feburary 2010.
Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Planning and
Transportation, said: "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. A new plan is being produced
which considers different ways to manage the coast and so it’s
important that local residents have a say on where the risks are
greatest in West Lancashire and help choose the most effective ways
we can manage the changes."
Pete Fox, Environment Agency North West Flood and Coastal Risk
Manager, added: "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 West Lancashire and beyond."
To have your say on the plans and find out more visit www.mycoastline.org(external
link). The document is also available in hardcopy to view at
Council Offices and at Burscough, Skelmersdale and Tarleton
libraries.
Once completed, the plans will be released around June 2010,
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
authorities and the Environment Agency do to protect homes and
business and improve the environment.
Related information