Informing and engaging local communities: Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme

This high profile project is seeking to design and deliver a flood defence and regeneration scheme which will maintain Looe as a viable fishing and tourism destination and secure its environmental, social and economic sustainability. 

Led by Cornwall Council working with Looe Town Council, Looe Harbour Commissioners and the Environment Agency, the project also involves a number of other local partners, including the Cornwall Councillors representing Looe and surrounding areas, members of Looe Town Team, the Looe Development Trust, East Looe Town Trust, West Looe Town Trust, the RNLI, SWW, Network Rail and the local MP.

The scale and complexity of the scheme has meant it is essential to keep all partners informed with the development of the project as well as providing regular communication and engagement opportunities for the local community.

As part of my role I have created a Looe Flood Defence scheme section on the Let’s Talk Cornwall site which I manage. This involves producing and uploading content, including updates, briefings, articles and press releases and videos at key project milestones.

https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/looe-flood-defence

I provide formal reports for partner meetings, including the Project Board , Steering Group and Stakeholder Boards/ Partner meetings and Liskeard and Looe Community Network Panel.  I also write and produce an external e newsletter and provide regular updates for stakeholders and partners.

 I have produced a range of supporting material for the project, including presentations and exhibition boards, leaflets, posters and flyers.  I have also produced a number of videos about the scheme.

While we were unable to stage face to face engagement events during the pandemic, we held workshops and drop in sessions at the end of 2021, and further community engagement events during the spring of 2022. which were attended by more than 350 people.

I have also provided surveys and questionnaires via the Let’s Talk site and created a process for people to ask questions and make comments.

Further engagement events are planned during the rest of 2022, ahead of the completion and submission of the Outline Business Case to the government in early 2023.