£3m for coastal wall for an area just 0.5% likely to flood - but is it worth it?

Earlier this month, Wirral Council launched its consultation on how the 1.1km-long structure along South Parade in West Kirby will look, and put a series of options on display for residents to have their say.

The investment – funded by the council and Environment Agency – comes after it was estimated up to 70 homes and 23 West Kirby businesses have a 0.5% chance of flooding in any year – and the flood wall will help alleviate that.

Over the next 100 years, the effects of climate change will mean sea levels continue to rise. That will mean the new 1.2m-high flood wall will reduce risk posed to 567 homes and 104 businesses, effectively “safeguarding” the town centre.

Since revealing the plans to the public, there has been a huge amount of feedback both online and at local drop-in sessions – many praising the plans and others criticising them, particularly for their appearance.

There have been strong words on social media, described the plans as “hideous”, “awful” and “horrible”, with many concerned the wall will block the view of Marine Lake and the River Dee.

Leslie Goodman said on Facebook: “Very ugly, all that concrete – it will end up looking like New Brighton. The only choice we appear to be getting is whether we have pink or grey concrete!”

Julie Dean wrote: “It takes away from the special open look of West Kirby prom. One of the previous designs at least had a little landscaping with flowerbeds incorporated. I’d like to know how much of a threat flooding is. There have been few incidents since I’ve lived here.”

Writing on the council’s Facebook page, Lee Conroy said: “I’m afraid I think they are downright ugly and a total contrast to the beautiful surroundings. People park alongside the Marine Lake every day to enjoy the views, the sunset and simply to appreciate where we live. They would no longer be able to do this with this shocking design.”

(Picture: Wirral Council)

Others were frustrated the council had “only given the option of which colour it will be” for residents to decide, although the council said colour, shape of the barrier and the walkway were just three of the consultation options.

There were some on social media who defended the design, however, saying which one they preferred and criticising those who were against it.

Stephen Jones wrote on the council’s Facebook post: “[You’ll] all be whinging if West Kirby floods because there was no flood wall. I’m all for this. Hats off to the Council for doing something.”

Harvey Davenport wrote: “Some people would obviously rather have flooded flats – good idea.”

Ward member for West Kirby and Thurstaston, Cllr Jeff Green, said he was aware of residents’ concerns over designs, and that it was important they engaged with the consultation.

He said: “The important thing is the scale of the investment and that we get it right.

“I think the consultation is having the desired affect in terms of making sure people are coming and making their views heard.

“Undoubtedly there are concerns from residents about what the final scheme will look like. The thing I am most keen on is that people engage with the consultation and make their observations known. This is a once-in-a-century investment in the West Kirby promenade. It’s a real opportunity to shape that investment and make sure we have something we can all be proud of.”

Speaking earlier this month, Cllr Anita Leech, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “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 flood wall 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.”

The consultation will run until March 31, and can be found here: https://www.wirral.gov.uk/environmental-problems/coastal-protection/west-kirby-flood-alleviation-proposals