email from Cllr Paul Blane, North Meols Ward,West Lancashire Borough Council

Sent: Sunday, 18 December 2011, 12:57
Subject: Re Crossens Pumping Station

Dear All

As you will be aware, I with many of my colleagues have been campaigning heavily against the proposals put forward by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency, who had at first refused to move the deadline date of their Consultation, finally conceded to extend the date, after extensive lobbying from many Councillors at Borough, County, Parish and the MP Lorraine Fullbrook; this date was extended from the original 16th December 2011 to the 31st January 2012.

Today, I bring you some further progress from our efforts. The Environment Agency declared at a meeting I attended on Friday, that after consideration the Crossens Pumping Station would not be reduced or closed. As I’m sure you will agree, this is great news however we still have many challenges, discussions and debates ahead. The Environment Agency will still be considering the cost and proposals put forward for the Satellite Stations, and this will continue during the full consultation programme.

It is imperative that we continue to oppose these proposals and drive to a sustainable solution, as the Satellite Pumps are vital to our Villages, Businesses, Jobs and Economy; it is these pumps that protect our ‘grade one agricultural land’s’ and stop them from flooding. This is the start of the process; please continue to inform as many people as you can about the proposals and returning the feedback forms by the 31st January. The Environment Agency has begun to listen, and it is important that we continue to be heard. My Conservative Borough and County Colleagues and I will continue to work closely with the MP, to ensure that the Environment Agency understand the full consequences of their proposals.

I will keep you all, up to date if there is any further progress over the festive period, otherwise I shall be in touch early in the New Year.

On that note, may I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kind Regards

Cllr Paul Blane
North Meols Ward
West Lancashire Borough Council