Residents of Portland and Wyke Regis are being urged to have their say on a new flood and erosion strategy - with the first event taking place today.

Dorset Coast Forum is inviting residents, community groups and businesses in Portland and Wyke Regis to a range of engagement events to help with the development of a new Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy for the area.

The strategy is being developed by Dorset Council, working in collaboration with the Environment Agency and with support from BCP Council, Dorset Coast Forum, and technical consultants AECOM.

The new FCRM Strategy will define the long-term (100 year) approach for managing the risks of coastal flooding, erosion and land-sliding, taking into account the latest data and evidence.

The project to develop this new strategy will take about two to three years to complete.

Councillor Kate Wheller of Wyke Regis said: “The new FCRM Strategy will provide a framework for future works which will protect both our communities and our environment.

“We are very aware of the power of the sea in this area, so this new strategy is welcomed to help balance the many different priorities of Portland and Wyke Regis.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the upcoming events. These are vital opportunities to share opinions and concerns on the flood and erosion issues in the area.”

These initial engagement events aim to raise awareness and to gather information from residents, businesses and community groups that live, work, and use the coastline in the area.

The first engagement event will be hosted at Portland Masonic Hall in Victoria Square on Monday, October 9.

The in-person drop-in event will be the first one hosted between 10.00 am until 5.00 pm.

The second drop-in event will be hosted on Wednesday, October 11, at Portland Community Venue on Three Yards close on Portland between 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm.

An online event will then be hosted on, Tuesday October 17, from 6.00 pm until 7.30 pm.

A link for the event can be found online on Eventbrite.

An online survey is also available via the Dorset Coast 'have your say' webpage.

The Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis FCRM Strategy will identify where, when, and broadly what type of works are needed to protect this coastline from flooding and erosion.