RESIDENTS living on the east coast have been given the chance to have their say and find out more about future plans for developing coastal areas and managing flooding issues.

Partner agencies representing the Lincolnshire Coastal Study and two ongoing Shoreline Management Plan reviews in the county were present at a joint event at the Coronation Hall in Wainfleet. Consultation events also took place in Skegness and Chapel St Leonards.

The events form part of a public consultation period for the Shoreline Management Plans which will help define how coastal defences are managed over the next 100 years.

Its policies will then inform the Lincolnshire Coastal Study, which will assess current and potential flood risks alongside the implications for coastal communities and how the areas could be developed in future.

Lincolnshire County Council's assistant director for development Richard Belfield, said: "We need to build up a detailed picture of Lincolnshire's coastline and those areas most at risk of flooding, not just for now but for the next 100 years.

"That means adapting and developing new thinking about flooding protection, creating a balance between planning restrictions, maintaining the unique characteristics of our communities and the need to plan for future growth.

"Coastal communities are ideally placed to make a meaningful contribution, helping identify future challenges and aspirations.

"This will ensure the study accurately reflects the issues our communities face."

For more information about the Lincolnshire Coastal Study or Shoreline Management Plan consultation events, call (01522) 782070 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ coastalstudy

The final Shoreline Management Plan consultation event will take place on November 30 at The Bacchus Hotel, Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire.