Group to seek leave for judicial review of Blackpool flood relief scheme

Friday, 26 March 2021 11:38

Save Our Bride Otters have raised concerns about the impact of the scheme on wildlife in the area and say other options should be considered.

The current plan would see a 350 metre section of the River Bride in Blackpool village covered over by a culvert, something the group say can be avoided if the flow of water is slowed before it reaches the village.

The area has flooded several times in recent years, causing significant damage to homes and businesses.

Speaking to RedFM News, spokesperson for Save Our Bride Otters, Chris Moody says the OPW have acknowledged the plan will have a negative impact on local wildlife:

"Well the major concern is the impact it's going to have. It's going to have an impact on wildlife, the Office of Public Works makes it very clear in their own environmental impact assessment statement, that the impact on fisheries and on otter is permanent, significant and negative. So it's not only it's not just the loss of the river in the village, it's the impact it will have on the wildlife as well, on the River."