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Have your say on estuary's future
RESIDENTS, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to share their views about the future of the Cuckmere Estuary in a major public engagement drive being launched this week.
The Cuckmere Estuary Partnership (CEP), which is made up of both local and national organisations with responsibility for managing the popular area, is keen to hear the views of people who have an interest in its future.
The Environment Agency announced its decision to go ahead with its plan to withdraw maintenance of the sea defences in December last year and the CEP wants to know people's opinions on how potential changes to the area can best be managed.
Partnership officer Kate Cole said, "Change at the estuary seems inevitable. We are asking how that change can best be managed: what people think about the current options, what we should be aiming to maintain and preserve, and how we can seek to improve the estuary for visitors in future.
"This is an extremely important issue – not just locally, but nationally. The Cuckmere Estuary is one of the most iconic and well-loved landscapes in the south, and we would urge everyone with an interest to contact the partnership and get involved in decisions about its future."
The CEP is holding a series of public meeting which will be taking place next month and it is asking people to take part in on-street surveys as well as an online questionnaire at www.cuckmere.org.uk
There are three broad long- term options for the estuary, which include doing nothing, shoring up the defences and working with nature.
The CEP has not ruled out any options but believes working with nature and actively managing the return of the floodplain to a naturally functioning estuary would be the best solution for the landscape, wildlife, visitors, residents and businesses.
Dr Cole, who said the sea defences were struggling, added, "We want what's best for the estuary. We are local people as well and the issue is incredibly emotive. People feel very strongly about the estuary and people fear change."
Public meetings will be held in Alfriston on July 6, in Seaford on July 8 and in Eastbourne on July 13. Interest is expected to be high, so booking is essential.
On-street surveys will be held in Seaford, East Dean, Eastbourne, Lewes and Alfriston at the end of June and a series of themed workshops will take place on July 21 and July 22.
To sign up for a meeting or take part in an online survey, visit www.cuckmere.org.uk or contact the partnership on 870280.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
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