Latest news with #LizGrey
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Residents outraged after unbelievable objects are found dumped on local beach: 'Almost at a loss for words'
British website Echo reported that a bathtub and toilet were dumped on Thurstaston Beach near Liverpool, England. A councilor said she is "almost lost for words." The objects were dumped near the slipway for a sailing club that is part of a natural area designated for public recreation in Britain. The article noted that the beach sits on the edge of an estuary that is an important site for birds and other wildlife. Photos of additional debris in the area have surfaced. Locals are understandably upset. Discarding items in natural areas is not only disrespectful, but it can have exponential ramifications. Objects dumped in preserves and other protected areas — or even areas simply not designated for dumping — can disrupt the local ecosystem. Many discarded items can leach chemicals into the surrounding environment and can immediately affect local wildlife. When they get into the local water supply, they can cause health concerns for humans as well. Objects left in natural areas can also be dangerous to animals. They may ingest something harmful or become entangled. It may be difficult to understand why someone would dump objects in an area that is designated a safe space for wildlife or recreation for locals and visitors. It is not difficult to understand that we can take simple steps to be responsible for our waste and perhaps find an alternate use. Reusing or repurposing items we no longer need or want can benefit others and the environment. Donating items to a local charity or secondhand store is another way to give unwanted items new life. It is also important to understand your recycling options. While not everything can be recycled, knowing what you can recycle and how you can recycle is an important part of protecting the environment from planet-warming pollution caused, in part, by waste. If reusing, repurposing, or recycling is not appropriate, the item should be taken to an appropriate landfill — not dumped just anywhere. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Councilor Liz Grey, chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, expressed sadness and disappointment about the violation and wondered about what kinds of harmful items may have been taken out by the tide before they could be removed. Locals agreed, and one was reported in the article as asking: "What kind of lowlife maggot does this?" Grey said: "I am almost lost for words at the degree of wanton, environmental vandalism on display here." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BBC News
28-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Criticised £20m flood wall 'was effective' in storm
Flood defences which cost £20m and were criticised after homes and a businesses were deluged in a storm on Merseyside "worked as intended" and "limited the damage", a review has found. Waves spilled over the West Kirby sea wall during Storm Pierrick on 9 April last resulted in staff at Tanskeys Bistro being evacuated by the RNLI, damage to some properties and cars and people being trapped inside their homes. There were calls for a "full and frank investigation" into the effectiveness of the defences, but a review carried out by Wirral Council and the Environment Agency said that the "overtopping was not unexpected" and the wall had broken "the energy of the waves". The seafront defences were completed in 2023 and Liberal Democrat councillor Stuart Kelly claimed the wall had failed "so spectacularly" during the the review said it was clear the storm was "a significant event which resulted in extreme sea levels" and "extreme wave heights" which data suggests "likely met the limit of or exceeded the design standard for the new flood wall at West Kirby", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said the three homes flooded were at a location where the flooding was deepest and would have benefited from property level protection like some of their no flood warning was issued for West Kirby with the council report adding: "Public expectations that the wall would prevent all flooding may have been a factor in not utilising property level protection." The report said: "The overtopping that occurred as a result of the conditions on the day is therefore not unexpected. "The new defences, however, limited the damage that would have otherwise occurred had they not been built."The new flood wall worked as intended in breaking the energy of the waves and retaining an extreme mean sea level on the seaward side of the wall." 'Vindication of investment' There are three remaining recommendations in the report yet to be completed:Taking measures to manage flood risk to the roadSecondary defences at the entrances of Coronation GardensRaising awareness of the design limitations to any flood defence and that there may still be risksCouncillor Liz Grey said the flood alleviation scheme had done its job. "The damage caused to other areas, including other parts of Wirral, showed the extremity of the conditions so for properties in West Kirby to be impacted in a relatively minor way is vindication of the investment," she added she was "heartened" to read testimonies from some local residents who said they "felt safer and more protected from the event" as a result of the flood wall. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
