The Environment Agency is starting work on part of the first phase of Leicester’s flood risk management scheme  - the first in a series of green infrastructure and conveyance improvements along the River Soar.

The work, which is expected to last for 6 weeks, will take place on a section of the River Biam near the Great Central Way and will remove a build up of silt from the 2 southernmost arches of the Biam Bridge. Work will involve lowering the ground level beneath the arches by about 1 metre, which will help reduce the risk of flooding to about 250 homes in Braunstone Town and Aylestone.

There are approx 7,000 properties at flood risk from main river flooding in Leicester, specifically from the River Soar and its urban tributaries. There are also approximately 4,000 properties at risk from surface water flooding.  Further works along the River Soar corridor are planned for 2015.

The Environment Agency and Leicester City Council are currently working together to progress several phases of works to help reduce flood risk in Leicester. The first phase is a series of green infrastructure and conveyance improvements along the River Soar. The proposals will help reduce flood risk to approximately 2,000 properties.

The Environment Agency are currently producing a business case to seek approval to deliver the proposals using Government funding. The Environment Agency are aiming to start construction of the proposed works during 2015.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said:

“This is part of the ongoing work being carried out in the city to ensure our flood management is up to the challenges posed by climate change and demands of a modern-day city.”

“We’re currently consulting on a flood alleviation plan for the city, and investing in tackling some of the main problem areas. The work at the bridge will lessen flood risk across a wide area of the city.”

Jon Vann, the Environment Agency’s lead on the project, added that the Agency, together with its partners in Leicester City Council, is developing a holistic approach to reducing flood risk for the local community, as well as delivering economic and environmental benefits.

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