Friday 21 April 2017

Wallsend Flood Management Plan still hasn't commenced.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the April super storm but despite numerous studies, work on the Wallsend Flood management plan hasn't commenced.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery to call on the Newcastle Council to take action and expedite works for the plan.

The plan was adopted by the council in 2009 where it recommended the removal and replacement of bridge networks in Wallsend

Ms Hornery says the plan will help prevent flooding in Wallsend but won't stop it completely. 

"Rebuilding the bridges will not prevent flooding in Wallsend, but what rebuilding the bridges around Wallsend and the CBD means it allows the movement of the water from the canal to move faster through to the Hunter River which means that we just don't get the same impact of flooding, particularly down near the canal in Nelsons Street that we did 10 years ago". 

Ms Hornery also states that the residents of Wallsend will gladly welcome a new bridge network to help prevent flooding.

"What will happen to Wallsend if the plan isn't expedited, is that we risk losing premises, we may risk the loss of life, we certainly will lose businesses again if we don't rebuild the bridges soon.

"What we'd like to know is exactly when council will start with rebuilding the bridge and it will be well welcomed".

Wallsend flooding during the April Super Storms 2015
Credit- The Newcastle Herald