Sea flood defence drop in sessions

Local people can learn more about a landmark scheme to protect Margate from flooding in the future at special drop-in sessions later this month (June).

The total cost of the project is just over £6 million. The first phase of the work which focused on the defences near to the Turner Contemporary was completed in March this year. The much larger second and final phase is due to start in October 2011, with work undertaken from the Harbour Arm to the clocktower area in the main bay.  The work will involve strengthening of the Harbour Arm and the installation of a sea wall along with a series of wide steps from the beach to the promenade around the Kings Step area. This will reduce the risk of waves breaking over the sea wall, but can also be used by anyone on the beach to get into the town. Disruption is likely in the town while the work is taking place.

The scheme has been designed to tackle a serious problem for Margate, as the potential cost of damage caused by flooding in the town has been estimated to be around £65 million, with 476 properties in the Old Town area potentially at risk.

Residents can find out more and talk to the council’s coastal engineers, who are behind the scheme, at two drop-in sessions, due to be held at the Margate Media Centre. The first takes place on Thursday 16 June from 5.00pm to 8.00pm and the second is being held on Tuesday 21 June from 2.00pm until 5.00pm.

For those who can’t make it to the drop-in sessions, a 3d model of what is planned will be available to view in the Margate Media Centre during its opening hours, from Friday 17 June until Friday 1 July. Details of the scheme can also be seen online.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “This is a landmark scheme for Margate and one which will help to protect the town from flooding over the next 50 years. It will bring huge benefits, with the risk of flooding for properties in the Old Town area reduced from a one in 20 year event to a one in 200 year event. Naturally, there will be disruption while this work is carried out, and we want to explain to people exactly what will be happening, so they know what to expect.”

The work is being funded by the Environment Agency. The plans went before the council’s Planning Committee last month (May). They deferred the final decision to officers, with a recommendation that the plans be approved, subject to Natural England confirming that they have no objection to the scheme on the grounds of ecology.