People are being asked for their input into developing plans for managing much of the north Wales coastline.

Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire councils are drawing up measures to help protect the area in the face of climate change and rising sea levels.

The councils say it is vital that the plans are realistic and achievable, if the coast is to be protected.

A meeting to discuss draft proposals is being held on Monday night in Abergele.

“Climate change is happening and this inevitably means that sea levels will rise and that coastal communities are placed at greater risk of flooding from the sea,” said Meic Davies, from Environment Agency Wales.

“We must agree how we can adapt, control, improve and generally prepare the area for dealing with tidal flooding over the next 100 years.”

The councils and the Environment Agency are examining ideas for the stretch of coast running from the Great Orme at Llandudno in Conwy, all the way to the Dee Estuary in Flintshire, and on Anglesey.

The project is part of the wider Shoreline Management Plan for Wales and north-west England.

Managing the risk

The councils already accept that it is impossible to completely protect every inch of the coast, its wildlife, homes and businesses.

But they hope that with input from those concerned in the wider community, they will be able to pinpoint where the greatest risks lie, and identify effective ways of managing that risk.

Mr Davies added: “Input from local people is a vital part of that process.

“We want people to get involved and have their say in how we can work together to create a plan to combat the risks of flooding in the area that is sustainable for people, the local economy and the environment.”

As well as Monday’s public meeting, the councils are putting the draft proposals on display at council offices and public libraries, with a request for views by 14 February, 2010.Comments can also be made on the website: www.mycoastline.org

A public meeting to discuss the plans will be at the Kinmel Manor Hotel, Abergele on Monday, 7 December between 1900 and 2030 GMT.

Another consultation meeting to gauge public opinion will be held on Friday 11 December at the Town Hall in Beaumaris on Anglesey, from 1900-2200 GMT.

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