£25m flood risk scheme for Carlisle begins

The Environment Agency has begun work on a new £25 million flood risk management scheme that will better protect more than 1,600 homes and businesses in Carlisle, Cumbria.

The first phase of the Carlisle Flood Risk Management scheme is set to reduce flood risk to more than 1,200 homes and 106 businesses at a cost of £8 million - increasing protection from the previous scheme completed in 2005 to a 0.5 per cent chance of flooding in any one year.

The £25 million scheme will be delivered over three phases and will better protect 1,600 homes and business by its completion in 2021. The first phase of the new scheme will involve building and improving flood defences at Melbourne Park, as well as work on and around Botcherby Bridge to improve the flow of water.

Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “I was in Carlisle during the 2015 floods and witnessed first-hand the devastating effects on people’s lives and livelihoods. So I am personally delighted to be here to see work starting on this new £25 million pound scheme which will better protect more than 1,200 homes and over 100 business against flooding for decades to come.

“This important project will also benefit the environment by enhancing essential habitats and increasing biodiversity across the area, creating better spaces for local people and wildlife. It will do what the Environment Agency exists to do: create a better place.”