The Environment Agency will start their annual gravel removal works on the River Kent in Kendal next week to reduce flood risk to the town (week commencing 27 July 2020).
This year, the Environment Agency has taken the decision to start the gravel removal programme early ahead of work beginning on the £76millon Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme in the autumn. When complete, the scheme will provide extra flood protection to 1,437 homes and 1,151 businesses.
Gravel removal works will begin at Beezon Fields / Dockray sites and will continue throughout August, moving to Strammongate, Sandy Bottoms and finally Romney Gardens.
Stewart Mounsey, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said “Gravel naturally accumulates in the River Kent in Kendal. The removal of this gravel will reduce flood risk by allowing water in the river to drain more quickly during heavy rain.
During the works, the Environment Agency will aim to cause minimal disruption however there may be some restriction to access to river banks while machinery is onsite. All works will be carried out in line with the Government’s most up to date advice and workers will implement social distancing measures.
Whilst removing gravel from rivers can go some way to help reduce flood risk, the risk of flooding can’t be removed entirely. Sadly as many residents in Kendal know, flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly with devastating effects.
There are a number of things you can do to prepare for flooding to keep yourself and your family safe. Find out if your home is at risk, sign up for flood warnings and be ready to take action. Visit www.gov.uk/flood or call Flood line on 0345 988 1188.”
