This 2008 draft flood and erosion management strategy is a review of the 2000 coastal defence strategy, produced by the Environment Agency in partnership with Arun District, Worthing Borough and Adur District Councils. The 2000 coastal defence strategy initiated several flood defence improvements, including £18 million spent on the Shoreham to Lancing sea defences, a new timber wall at Littlehampton and renewal of groynes at Worthing.

Within this 2008 Rivers Arun to Adur draft flood and erosion management strategy the preferred option is generally to hold the line by improving or sustaining the current standard of defence against flood and erosion. This means that the vast majority or properties should be protected to their current standard or better.

We have taken account of the following to produce this draft strategy –

• an increase in the predictions for Sea Level Rise
• the need to plan for 100 years into the future
• impacts on the natural environment
• a tidal barrier option on the River Aur at Shoreham-by-Sea
• the previous Beachy Head to Selsey Bill Shoreline Management Plan, which was consulted on extensively with the public, local authorities and other bodies.

We are seeking comments from residents on our preferred options for managing the coastline before they are finalised. To take part please review the Planning for the future: Rivers Arun to Adur draft flood and erosion strategy summary document and contact us with your views. You can download this summary document from the Agency's website, or copies are available at local libraries and Council offices

We also encourage you to attend one of our local exhibitions where you will be able to talk with members of our project team about the draft strategy recommendations. We will be on hand throughout the day on:

• Thursday 10 July, 2pm – 6pm at the Richmond Rooms, Worthing

• Monday 14 July, 2pm – 7pm at the Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham

• Tuesday 15 July, 2pm – 7pm at Littlehampton Town Council Chamber

On the Agency's website you will also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions, which we hope will provide you with additional information about the draft strategy. During our consultation period we will update the list with new questions as they arise.

The Planning for the future: Rivers Arun to Adur draft flood and erosion management strategy summary document is a summary document of our full draft strategy, which provides details of all options considered and current and future flood and erosion risks. The Strategy Technical Report is available to download from the Agency's website. The full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of our draft strategy is also available.

The Consultation period closes on 18 September 2008. Please send us your comments on the recommended management options in the draft strategy before this date using one of the following methods:

By email: arun-adur@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Or by writing to:
Arun to Adur 2008
Environment Agency
Guildbourne House
Chatsworth Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1LD