A SERIES of measures are being proposed to prevent the kind of catastrophic damage that happened in December 2013 when a massive tidal surge hit the West Kirby seafront.

The council is working alongside the Environment Agency on the plans, which range from building a new permanent defence along the Marine Lake at South Parade to a temporary system which could be implemented during expected periods of severe weather.

Wirral Globe:

Artist’s impressions of possible design for flood alleviation measures

The public will have the chance to see the proposals for themselves and make their views known at a series of drop-in sessions from Tuesday next week in West Kirby.

On December 5, 2013, gale force winds created the tidal surge and left a swathe of destruction across the borough's coastal towns.

Such was the power of the sea that sections of railings and feet-thick concrete tide-breaks were ripped apart and debris scattered across the promenade at Hoylake and Meols, forcing roads to be closed.

West Kirby was also badly affected and New Brighton's Marine Point flooded with shops and restaurants closing down.

Councillor Bernie Mooney, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Unfortunately we know that extreme weather events like the storm surge we witnessed in 2013 are likely to happen again and potentially with even more serious consequences for homes and businesses.

"One of our key pledges as an administration is to protect Wirral’s environment for future generations, and as a borough with 25 miles of coastline, coastal flood alleviation is at the heart of our planning.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in West Kirby to attend an event or sign up for email updates on the progress of work and to make their voice heard.”

Drop-in sessions to find out more will be held on Tuesday, October 13, from 5pm to 8pm at West Kirby United Reformed Church; and Monday October 19 and Thursday October 22, from 5pm to 8pm at West Kirby Library’s community room.

Designs for the proposed measures can be viewed during temporary exhibitions at Morrisons, West Kirby from next Monday and at the library Community Room from Monday October 19 to Friday.

Readers who want to be kept up to date with the project should email their name and address to helengallagher@wirral.gov.uk.

You can also find out more by visiting the floodplan website by clicking here.