LATEST NEWS

NEWS HEADLINES (UPDATED 4 FEBRUARY 2004)

LATEST NEWS: ---- ALTHOUGH THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAVE ASKED PEOPLE TO RETURN THEIR FORMS COMMENTING ON THE SHORTLISTING OPTIONS DOCUMENT BY 7 FEBRUARY, NIGEL PASK, TOLD THE ESTUARY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP STEERING GROUP MEETING HELD ON 2 FEBRUARY THAT THEY WILL STILL CONSIDER COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 7 FEBRUARY BUT THAT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THOSE PROPOSING TO COMMENT COULD DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Developing the EA's Flood Management Strategy

The EA say the objectives of their consultation exercise are to:

    -     describe the general flood defence options that are being considered;
    -     seek the views of interested and affected parties;
    -     identify key concerns of individuals and organisations; and
    -     seek detailed environmental and technical data for the study area.

The Environment Agency's latest consultation document setting out their short-list of options for the Alde and Ore Estuary has now been published. You can download a copy by following this link (Options pamphlet).

The EA held road shows in Aldeburgh and Orford on 11 January 2005 (in the Aldeburgh Church Hall) and 13 January 2005 (in the Orford Town Hall). Since then they have provided representatives to address four special interest group meetings. An Environment Agency will also address members of the public and parish councillors prior to the next meeting of the Orford and Gedgrave Parish Council which will be held on Wednesday 7 February at 7 pm.

A copy of a factsheet handed out at the Aldeburgh Road Show can be downloaded by following this link (PDF file).

The consultation period is planned to end on 7 February 2005 but the Project Manager, Nigel Pask, has confirmed that the Agency will still consider comments after this date but would be grateful if these proposing to comment could do so as soon as possible.

Link to Environment Agency's Suffolk Estuarine Strategy Page

Follow this link to download a copy of the EA's latest Shortlisting Options Pamphlet and this link to download a comment form.

The Environment Agency have confirmed that they are very keen to receive as many comments as possible on priorities which members of the local community believe should be taken into account when formulating their flood management strategy for the Alde and Ore, comments on the framework they are establishing and requests for further information. If you wish to register an interest or comment on the development of the Suffolk Estuarine Flood Management Strategies online, follow this link. The email enquiry point for Suffolk Estuarine Strategies is suffolk-enquries@bv.com.

Other links Newsletter (PDF file) Link to Consultation Timetable (PDF file) Project News (PDF file)

Estuary Planning Partnership Activities

Link to Press statement announcing launch of Planning Partnership.

The Planning Partnership for the Alde and Ore Estuary held their first forum on Saturday, 17 January 2004. One of the key note presentations was by Penny Kay, Project Co-ordinator for the Friends of the Rivers (FOTR) 'Study to Establish the Economic Significance of the recreational and commercial uses of the Alde and Ore Estuary. Link to Friends of the Rivers Economic Survey.

The EPP will be holding a further forum later this year (2005).

A copy of the report of the proceedings at the Forum and our analysis of the points made can be found by following this link.

A Plain English Guide describing the role and responsibilities of all the organisations involved with roles in the future management of the Alde and Ore Estuary has recently been published. For more details contact Neil Lister (Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit) on 01394 384948 or email Neil at neil@suffolkcoastandheaths.org.