Residents give advice on flooding

Residents are being asked how they think Weymouth should be protected from floods if sea levels continue to rise.

Dorset County Council and the Dorset Coast Forum have extended a consultation to decide on future flood defences for the River Wey.

The groups say a predicted rise in sea levels of 0.6m (2ft) by 2075 will affect current flood defences.

One of the options being considered is the replacement of Westham Bridge and the sluice gates beneath.

The council and forum, which has representatives from 170 organisations, are working together on the River Wey Project to consider the impact of climate change and the rise of sea levels over the next 50 years.

The tidal sluice below Westham Bridge is 90 years old and many of the harbour walls are also in need of repair.

Dorset Coast Forum project officer Anthony Flux said: "It is important for everyone in and around Weymouth to understand the issues of sea level rise and the consequences of flooding from both the river as well as the sea.

"The opinions of the local community will be most welcome as it is those that live, work or visit this area that often hold key ideas and information that can be used when forward-looking management decisions are being considered."

Residents are being asked what type of structure should replace Westham Bridge and whether there is a better way of protecting the town other than raising the height of the harbour walls.

The consultation is also being extended to secondary schools in an effort to engage the next generation of residents in the flood debate.

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