'Make Space for Water': A New Initiative to Tackle Flooding Risks in Southport

Communities who live in a high risk flooding are being encouraged to give their views on a Sefton Council led scheme to combat future issues.

A public consultation launches on Monday (September 11th) for the Local Authority’s ‘Make Space for Water’ initiative, which aims to reduce the risks of flooding and rising water in susceptible areas around Sefton.

The first location which the ‘Make Space For Water’ campaign will focus on is the Crossens and Churchtown areas of Southport, specifically those areas close to The Pool watercourse.

The brainchild of Sefton’s dedicated Flood and Coastal Erosion team, the ‘Make Space for Water’ scheme will ultimately see the creation of a number of spaces where rising water can run-off away from homes and businesses.

As well as protecting communities from flooding, the new ecological spaces will provide areas for wildlife and rare species to flourish, as well as enjoyable spaces for people to relax in and enjoy.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Residents in the areas of Churchtown and Crossens will be well versed on the risks of flooding, which occurs frequently during episodes of heavy rainfall.

“When water cannot flow through the underground pipes into The Pool watercourse quickly enough, the risk of flooding is exacerbated.

“In order to mitigate these issues we want the ‘Make Space for Water’ project to reduce flood risk by providing space for water and creating opportunities for all life to thrive in the area.

“We hope to achieve this through the creation of flood storage areas and works to underground pipes to increase water capacity and flow.

“In turn this will also create opportunities for greater wildlife biodiversity and create an improved environment for people to enjoy.

“We want those communities to be involved in shaping the ‘Make Space for Water’ project so we have launched a public consultation and face to face engagement sessions.

“The views and experiences of local residents, businesses, community groups, schools, commuters, visitors and more are vital to this project.

“I strongly encourage everyone to take part in the consultation by completing the online survey and attending a drop-in event.”

The public consultation can be found online on the Council’s consultation website, Your Sefton Your Say, where accessible versions of the survey are also available.

Drop-in events will also be available for people to attend and ask Council officers questions they may have.

The face to face events will take place on:

16th September 2023 at 10.30am to 3.30pm,
4th October 2023 at 5.30pm to 7.30pm and the
10th October 2023 at 10.30am to 3.30pm
 All are encouraged to attend the sessions, which are being held at Crossens Community Association, The Old Library, Southport PR9.