Flood Risk Management Scheme ongoing in West Cumbria

The Environment Agency continues work on a Flood Risk Management Scheme in Egremont that consists of flood walls and embankments, which will create storage areas for flood water as well as helping to better protect a number of properties through flood resistance measures.

Stewart Mounsey, Cumbria’s Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency said:

“We have been working really closely with the community of Egremont from the start of the consultation process in order to help reduce the impact of flooding in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners involved in this partnership project, it’s great to see this scheme progressing with construction ongoing.

We are looking forward to the completion of the Skirting Beck and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme and the benefits this will bring to reduce flood risk.”

Following planning application approval from Copeland Borough Council in October 2019, the Environment Agency have completed works in the Croadalla Avenue area of the town. Other completed works consist of property level protection (PLP) to 43 properties in Croadalla Avenue and Church View. Culvert works have also commenced in this area with piling works completed. The scheme involves the creation of flood storage areas at West Lakes Academy and Falcon Club, Whangs Beck and How Bank, where some enabling works have started, in readiness for the main construction works.

Over the next weeks and months, works will continue to construct flood storage areas and pre-cast units will be installed over the piled wall at West Lakes Academy and the Falcon Club. Works will commence on habitat and recreational space for the community to enjoy, and approximately 800 trees will be planted.

Councillors from Copeland Borough Council visited the site on Monday 20th July 2020. Environment Agency project leads Graham Stanger and MBE Glyn Vaughan gave a tour of the scheme and discussed the various elements of the construction.

Pat Graham, Chief Executive of Copeland Council, said:

“We welcome the progress that is being made on this vitally important scheme for the town of Egremont.

“When the works are complete, it will make a significant and lasting difference to the community; many of whom have suffered the trauma that flooding brings over many years.

“It has been an outstanding collaborative effort from ourselves, the Environment Agency, Cumbria County Council, partners and the community to get to this point, and we look forward to seeing the scheme continue to progress towards completion next August.”

The help and cooperation of local residents, West Lakes Academy, Falcon Club, schools and nurseries has helped l this scheme come to fruition.. Thank you to the community of Egremont, and for our partners for their ongoing support and community spirit.