Public invited to Exe Estuary flood risk exhibition

[Editor]

People living around the Exe Estuary are invited to a public exhibition next week to learn how the Environment Agency is planning to tackle local flood risk over the next 100 years.

Over the past six months the Environment Agency and local authorities have been working on the Exe Estuary Strategy developing predictions for flood and coastal erosion around the estuary. When complete it will provide flood defence options for places including Dawlish Warren, Exmouth, the Lower Clyst and Powderham banks.

Next Thursday (September 23, 2010) the Agency and its partners will share their knowledge of flood risk to local communities and explain how future options will be decided. They are keen to hear the views and concerns of local people to help shape future flood defence plans.

The public exhibition will be held in the Conference Room, The Coaver Club, Devon County Council between 3.00pm – 8.00pm. Environment Agency officers and local authority representatives will be on hand to explain the exhibition and answer any questions.

‘We are holding this public exhibition to explain how the Exe Estuary Strategy will develop and describe the flood risk around the estuary now and in the future. It will also provide us with an opportunity to obtain feedback from local people and improve our understanding of their concerns,’ said Steve Rendell for the Environment Agency.

‘No options will be presented at this exhibition. These will come later. At this stage we’re more interested in explaining the process and how the strategy will be used to reduce flood risk and tackle coastal erosion around Exe Estuary,’ said Steve Rendell.

The strategy is being drawn up with the help of Teignbridge District, East Devon District, Exeter City and Devon County councils. It follows the preparation of the South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan that sets the policy or framework for more localised flood risk responses including the Exe Estuary Strategy.

Members of the public attending the exhibition between 3.00pm – 4.00pm are advised to use the pay and display visitor car park at County Hall and report to the main reception for directions to the Coaver Club. After 4.00pm visitors can use the main parking area for free.

For further details about visiting County Hall, including public transport options, please visit http://www.devon.gov.uk/countyhall.htm