Up until Friday 18 December, City of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall councils will be hosting draft versions of the Black Country Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Report on their websites for locals to log on and submit their views. Comments are welcomed on how the plans suit the individual local authority areas as well as the wider Black Country area.
A form will also be on each website for respondents to answer a series of questions as well as add any other comments they may wish to make. The response forms can either be emailed or posted back to the relevant council.
Alternatively, anyone interested can complete a survey response online at Type=links;Linkid=6676;Title=Black Country Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy;Target=_blank;.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "The input of residents and premises business owners in this process is vital in helping the Black Country authorities build the best defence possible against flooding. While we cannot prevent all flooding, it is important we do everything we can to lessen the impact on the people, the economy and the environment."
Dudley Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Hilary Bills, added: "Flooding can potentially affect all of us. It can have a significant impact on the people, the economy and the environment of the Black Country. Whilst it is not possible to prevent all flooding, we can consider and find ways to manage flood risk and its potential consequences. We hope to hear from as many people as possible during this consultation period."
Sandwell Council's cabinet member for highways and environment, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: "In recent years we have seen the impact that flooding can have on people's lives, homes and businesses. Working with the Black Country authorities, our draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out how we will set about managing and reducing local flood risk. I would urge everyone to look at this important strategy and tell us if you think our approach is right."
Councillor Harrison, portfolio holder for Clean and Green at Walsall Council, stated: "Any resident or business that has been the victim of flooding knows only too well the misery it causes. It's good that we're taking a collaborative approach with our Black Country colleagues to manage this risk. This is the chance for local people to get involved and have their say to shape these plans."
Once the consultation period is complete, the responses will be reviewed with the aim of having the approved Strategy in place by next spring.
Interested parties in Wolverhampton should visit Type=articles;Articleid=7895;Title=Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy;.
Completed forms and comments should be sent to Keith Rogers, email keith.rogers@wolverhampton.gov.uk or via Wolverhampton City Council, Highway Assets, Culwell Street Depot, Culwell Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JN.
- released: Thursday 12 November, 2015