Here’s a first glimpse of the options for a new flood wall in West Kirby

West Kirby residents are to be asked for their views on the design of a new flood wall for South Parade.

The consultant appointed to work with Wirral Council to design the 1.1km flood wall, AECOM, will put options on display and host a series of drop-in sessions in March in West Kirby to give people the chance to comment on a number of design options.

Over the next 100 years, as climate change continues to cause sea levels to rise, the new flood wall will reduce flood risk to 567 homes and 104 businesses, effectively safeguarding West Kirby town centre from flooding from the sea.

Access points, materials, aesthetics and integrated features, such as seating, will all be under discussion as AECOM prepare a final design proposal to submit to the planning authority.

A display of the options and more information about the scheme will be available to view at West Kirby library from the 11^th March, while the drop-in sessions for people to learn more about the scheme will take place on:-

• Tuesday 12^th March – West Kirby Library, noon-8pm
• Thursday 14^th March – West Kirby United Reform Church, noon–7pm
• Tuesday 19^th March – West Kirby Library, noon-8pm

People are able to register, via Eventbrite, for presentations on the proposals and a Q&A session at the above drop-in sessions. Presentations will be at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm on the 12^th and 19^th March and 1pm and 5.30pm on the 14^th March.

Following this consultation exercise, detailed design and submission of the planning application will be completed and if all goes according to schedule, construction work will begin in the summer and last up to six months.

The flood alleviation scheme, which aims to protect the area from flooding well into the next century, was boosted by the approval of a £1.7m grant from the Environment Agency earlier last year.

The scheme will see the construction of a 1.1km new floodwall on South Parade between Riversdale Road and Sandy Lane. Supported by capital funding from Wirral Council and a Local Levy of £500,000, the scheme will cost in the region of £3m in total.

Cllr Anita Leech, Wirral Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, welcomed the news, saying: “Our location as a peninsula inevitably means we are at more risk of flooding than many areas and our responsibility to protect residents, businesses and the local environment from that risk is one we take very seriously.

“The proposal to construct a brand new floodwall that will run the length of the promenade at West Kirby is something we have been developing closely with local people for a number of years and we made a strong case that had a lot of support from within the community.

“We are delighted that we are continuing to move forward with this scheme, supported by local people throughout the process, and we can put the protection in place that is needed in this location.”