 |
| Marchwood County Councillor, David Harrison says "Finish these defences" |
|
|
Tories on the New Forest District Council have pulled the plug on a vital flood defence scheme that was due to protect 350 homes in Marchwood, as well as the local yacht club.
The project had been planned for the last four years and work was due to start early this year. The area is assessed as being at high risk of flooding because the area gets a minimum of six high tides a year.
The Council had secured a contribution of over £200,000 from the housing developers, Crest Nicholsan but has now declined to progress the project because it claims it cannot afford the full cost of the project.
Residents living on the Admiralty Quay Estate and members of the local yacht club are in shock at the last minute change of direction. Whilst Conservative members have remained tight-lipped, a Council Officer has sought to defend the action by saying that the Council is under no legal obligation to proceed.
Local Lib Dem District Councillor, Graham Walmsley, says "Residents are really angry and very worried about this sudden turn of events. The cost of a major flood will far exceed the cost to the Council. I will apply pressure to make them change their minds."
David Harrison, County Councillor for Marchwood, says "The decision to pull out only happened days before work was due to commence. Money has been secured from the developers and the yacht club. Local people deserve much better than this from the District Council. The residents pay high taxes and all want to see these vital flood defences completed." |
