Parts of Merseyside could form new island

A website which maps potential devastation if the polar ice caps continue to melt has said Formby and Southport could become a separate ISLAND by the end of the century.

According to Climate Central’s risk map, parts of North Sefton could also end up completely submerged under water.

Large swathes of land to the east of Formby, and parts of Southport, as well as Banks, Scarisbrick and Halsall, it says, could be overcome by rising sea levels.

While CC admits its research is not certain, they state that the devastation would be irreversible by 2100.

The interactive tool known as Surging Seas allows users to input their hometown and observe the impact a rise in temperature could have on sea levels.

At current rates, global sea levels could rise by more than two metres by the end of this century if emissions continue in a “business as usual” scenario, a United Nations body has warned.

Climate Central says it “strives to provide accurate, clear and granular information about sea level rise and coastal flood hazards both locally and globally, today and tomorrow.

“The program dedicates its efforts to helping citizens, communities, businesses, organisations, and governments at every level to understand the consequences of different carbon pathways and to navigate the shifting waters of our warming world.”

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We are very proud of our 22 miles of amazing coastline and associated with this is the risk of flooding which we take very seriously.

“In the event of any flooding, we are a major partner during emergency situations and work alongside the emergency services and other stakeholders to ensure that as much as possible is done to stop people’s homes and businesses from being affected.

“In particular we work closely with the Environment Agency who have the national coastal overview. They are currently consulting on a National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy: (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-strategy-for-england)

“This strategy looks 100 years into the future and considers the risks climate change presents and the options to adapt to this changing climate.

“Merseyside authorities also work collectively to ensure flood and coastal erosion risk is considered in a coordinated manner and investment is made effectively through the Merseyside Flood Risk Partnership at the North West Regional Flood Committee.

“This committee ensures there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines and encourage efficient, targeted and risk-based investment across the North West. The committee has also funded the development of a website to support communities and business www.floodhub.co.uk

“The coastline around Southport is currently in accretion, as can be seen by the saltmarsh development on the beach. Both the gradually rising beach and saltmarsh vegetation removes the energy from the waves that could otherwise fall onto Marine Drive. The dunes around Formby have been eroding for many years and these are regularly monitored to assess the risks.