The Environment Agency is progressing work on the multi-million flood risk management scheme in Lancaster in line with government safety guidelines to ensure that flood risk in one of the city’s most important commercial areas is significantly reduced.

When completed the £11million project will protect homes and businesses as well as helping to safeguard jobs. Key features will include new flood defence walls and embankments stretching from Skerton Bridge to junction 34 of the M6. Additional works will take place on the right bank of the river to reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses on Aldrens Lane.

Flood wall units starting to be put into place along the Millennium cycle path

The project is being done in partnership between Lancaster City Council and the Environment Agency who are working with VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins (VBA Joint Venture Limited), and remain on site to deliver the flood mitigation scheme.

Latest construction activity is centered on flood walls being put into place along the Millennium Cycle Path near the River Lune.

Gary Bowker, Project Engineer and Project Manager for Lancaster City Council said:

“We are doing everything we can to make sure that work continues safely and that delays are kept to an absolute minimum.

“I am pleased that we are starting work on the Millennium Cycle Path section this month and delighted that we have worked so hard as a team to overcome obstacles including flooding in February this year, to continue safely in our efforts to provide this vital, and life changing scheme”

Andy Brown, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency in Lancashire, added:

“In line with government advice, the project team are continuing to deliver this flood risk management project and are working with our staff and contractors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those working on this important scheme.

“Many residents and business owners across Lancashire will understand first-hand the devastating consequences that flooding can have on homes, livelihoods and communities. This is why it is vital that we continue to invest in projects like this, which drastically reduce the risk, and bring peace of mind to local residents.”