Residents, community groups and businesses in Portland and Wyke Regis are invited to engagement events to help with the development of a new Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy for the area.

The strategy is being developed by Dorset Council, working in collaboration with the Environment Agency and with support from BCP Council, Dorset Coast Forum, and technical consultants AECOM. It will cover the next 100 years and define the long-term approach to managing coastal flooding, erosion and land-sliding.

It is expected that the project will take between two-and-a-half and three years to complete.

Councillor Kate Wheller of Wyke Regis said: “The new FCRM Strategy will provide a framework for future works which will protect both our communities and our environment.

“We are very aware of the power of the sea in this area, so this new strategy is welcomed to help balance the many different priorities of Portland and Wyke Regis.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the upcoming events. These are vital opportunities to share opinions and concerns on the flood and erosion issues in the area.”

Initially, the engagement events will aim to raise awareness and to gather information from residents, businesses and community groups that live, work, and use the coastline in the area. A mix of in-person and online events are planned. They are:

• Monday 9 October, 10-5pm – drop-in at event at Portland Masonic Hall, 1 Victoria Square, Portland DT5 1AL
• Wednesday 11 October, 2-7pm – drop-in event at Portland Community Venue, Three Yards Close, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1JN
• Tuesday 17 October, 6-7:30pm – online event, register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portland-underhill-to-wyke-regis-fcrm-engagement-event-tickets-723977796077?aff=oddtdtcreator

In addition, an online survey is available via the Dorset Coast ‘Have Your Say’ webpage at: https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/portland-to-wyke-regis-flood-and-coastal-risk-management-project. More information about the project can also be found on this page.