Sea flood defence scheme: Public 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 on the council’s website at
www.thanet.gov.uk

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.