Views of Laxey residents 'essential' in flood defence plans

The views and local knowledge of Laxey residents will be 'essential' in plans to improve flood defences in the town.

That's according to Chair of Manx Utilities, Tim Baker MHK, with the authority set to host two drop-in sessions next week to exhibit proposals for the next two to three years for flood alleviation work in the area and hear what people think about them.

MUA, the Department of Infrastructure and special consultants JBA have been working on an approach to the issue following the devastating floods in Laxey on October 1 last year which saw around 60 properties damaged.

Mr Baker says: "The approach designed by the joint working of DOI, Manx Utilities and supported by specialist consultants JBA has been designed to identify all flood risk reduction opportunities possible within the Laxey area and has been underway for a significant period.

"Following feedback from the drop-in sessions and evaluation, a set of options will be agreed for progression to help protect the community by managing flood risk from source to sea providing better protection and greater resilience for Laxey.

"We look forward to listening and sharing proposals with the local community as it is essential that views are respected and importantly that local knowledge forms part of the scheme before progressing to the next stage."

Meanwhile, the drop-in sessions will take place at the Laxey Working Men's Institute next Monday and Tuesday (September 28-29) between 10am and 8pm, where officials will also be on hand to answer questions.