Copeland councillors had the chance to see work underway at a £12million flood defence scheme in Egremont recently.

Environment Agency project leads Graham Stanger and MBE Glyn Vaugham gave a tour of the scheme and discussed the constructions with councillors, including chief executive of the council Pat Graham on July 20.

The Skirting Beck and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme in Egremont will reduce the flood risk to 220 residential and business properties, improve the local environment and community amenities.

Flood walls and embankments 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.

Pat Graham 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 this scheme come to fruition. Thank you to the community of Egremont, and for our partners for their ongoing support and community spirit.