RESIDENTS are expected to be disrupted when work to provide a new flood defence scheme goes ahead in Poole. 

BCP Council and the Environment Agency are working to reduce the significant tidal flood risk to properties and infrastructure in Poole town centre, the Old Town and surrounding areas over the next 100 years.  

The scheme, which was awarded £12.4 million Grant in Aid funding from the Environment Agency in 2021, will address the area adjacent to Back Water Channel.  

Andy Hadley, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This is the last remaining undefended waterfront in Poole town centre.  

“While some properties here have flood resilience built in, such as raised thresholds to prevent flooding, others are critically low and are in a state of disrepair. 

“Over the last 25 years it was anticipated that ongoing regeneration would deliver full flood protection. However, recent developments have only provided flood defences along discrete lengths. 

“This incomplete defence leaves the whole area vulnerable to tidal flooding which is expected to increase in frequency and severity with climate change. 

“Extensive efforts are needed to raise land levels and close the gaps in the flood defence line to ensure the local community in Poole Old Town is safeguarded effectively. 

“We are committed to actively seeking ways to minimise the construction impacts on the local community and are encouraging people to tell us how we can help mitigate these during our planning phase.”  

BCP Council’s spokesman said: “We recognise that the construction activities required to deliver this important scheme have the potential to cause some disruption. 

“We are asking local people, organisations and businesses in Poole to have their say, so that we can work to minimise the impact.”  

A session will be held on September 5 from 10am to 4.30pm at Sea Scouts Hall (Edith Lyle Hall), West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1JF. Tickets must be booked on the council’s website. 

You can also join an online event for a presentation and Q&A session on Wednesday, September 11 from 6.45pm to 8.00pm. 

A survey will open on Wednesday, August 28 and will close on Monday, September 30 at 11.59pm. Once the survey is live, it will be available on the council's Have your Say webpage.