The Assistant Director for Highways and Infrastructure introduced this report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which presented the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme which had received Planning Approval on 2 November 2021. Planning and grant funding conditions required the main construction activity to be undertaken between April and October 2022, which did not fit in with the Committee’s schedule of meetings, so delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services was required to award the advanced and construction phase works contracts.

Members debated the issue which established:

·  The Environment Agency could provide additional funding if there were cost increases for materials beyond the contingency already within the project’s budget

·  There were to be public realm improvements as part of the works

·  There would be a range of opinions but it was also likely to provide a focus for visits and a novelty value which should increase visitor numbers.

Resolved – That

(1)   the proposed procurement process and strategy for the construction of the West Kirby Flood Alleviation Scheme set out at paragraph 3.7 of this report be approved; and

(2)   authority be delegated to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to award the advanced Engineering Construction Contract and also the main construction phase Engineering Construction Contract.