The Environment Agency will put maps, plans, drawings and pictures on display on Wednesday, 11 March in Stanground, Peterborough to outline the next phase of work on its £26m Whittlesey Washes flood reservoir scheme.

Whittlesey Washes, also known as the Nene Washes, stores water from the River Nene when it is ‘tide-locked’. This happens when heavy rainfall increases river flows and coincides with high tides, meaning the extra water cannot be released through the Dog in a Doublet sluice. As the tide recedes, water is released from the reservoir and into the tidal River Nene through the Ring’s End sluice.

The three year, £26 million Environment Agency-led scheme will strengthen a 16km stretch of the South Barrier Bank.

Guy Szomi, Environment Agency catchment engineer, said the work will improve the condition of the South Barrier Bank so it can continue to protect hundreds of homes, roads, and railways in and around Peterborough, as well as 8,000 hectares of farmland to the southeast of the city.

Phase 3 will strengthen the 3-kilometre stretch of bank between Stanground and Ball Bridge in Whittlesey. A low, 249-metre concrete wall will be built between Stanground Sluice and the car park.

The third phase of the works – between Stanground and Whittlesey – will start on 9 March - construction works are set to be complete by the end of the year.

Members of the Environment Agency’s project team will be available to answer questions at the presentation.