A ground-breaking ceremony took place on Friday marking the start of the second phase of work to help reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Leighton Buzzard.

Working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, the Environment Agency started work to improve flood protection to 29 properties adjacent to the Clipstone Brook. Flood risk will be reduced from a 1 in 25 chance of flooding in any given year to less than a 1 in 100 year chance.

Paul Burrows, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

“The works planned are a significant achievement and a testimony to the hard work and commitment of all involved to find an affordable project for the town. This kind of partnership approach between Authorities is an important way to reduce flood risk to local communities.”

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

“This is great news for residents in Carina Drive who have been threatened by flooding for many years. We will continue to work together with the Environment Agency to manage risk in the town. I would also like to remind landowners adjacent to the watercourse that as riparian owners, they have a duty to ensure that the brook flows without obstruction.”

The Environment Agency, Central Bedfordshire Council and Leighton Linslade Town Council are keen to see the local flooding problems reduced. This second phase of the work is expected to cost £65,000 and will include widening the brook channel, clearing vegetation from the channel, lowering a small section of ground at the side of the brook to redirect floodwater away from homes. It will also include the building of a small flood bank to defend homes.

The costs will be met by contributions from both Central Bedfordshire Council and Local Levy. Local Levy is a local flood risk funding source raised and allocated by the Anglian (Central) Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.