Cumbria County Council is developing a major project to install new flood resilience and defence infrastructure in the Penrith Road area of Keswick.
A community drop-in event is being held to provide members of the public with an opportunity to discuss and ask any questions about the project. The event will be held at Keswick Library on Thursday 18 April 2019 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm.
As Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for Cumbria, the county council is responsible for the management of surface water flood risk. The Penrith Road area of Keswick forms one of the greatest areas of surface water flood risk in the county in terms of scale, frequency and impact on the local community.
The works, valued at approximately £2m will see the construction of a new flood storage attenuation pond at Springs Field, and a new pumping station underneath or adjacent to Penrith Road, which will discharge in to the River Greta. Additional protection measures will also be completed to enhance the protection and resilience of properties between Ambleside Road and Penrith Road, with improved drainage to facilitate the run-off of surface water.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I am delighted to see that the early stages of this important scheme are underway. A lot of detailed background work has been carried out behind the scenes to understand how and why flooding tends to be more devastating in the Penrith Road area of Keswick than other parts of the county.
“This is a significant investment managed by the county council of up to £2m and will protect hundreds of properties from future flooding events, and stop the extent of surface water form disrupting the surrounding highways and local businesses.
“I’d encourage members of the local community to attend so we can listen to and understand their views and also provide them with more information and details about the work programme.”
Following an initial period of survey and assessments, the council intends to submit planning application documents for the construction of the new flood pond and pumping station within the next month. Construction work is intended to commence on site in August 2019.
