Over the next few weeks residents and visitors to Kendal will start to see an increased presence by the Environment Agency and contractors VBA as the installation of sample flood panels begins at Little Aynam as part of phase one of the £76 million Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The scheme, when complete, will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
The installation of these sample flood panels is a requirement of the planning conditions set by South Lakeland District Council and will remain behind hoarding until completed.
Engineers, designers and contractors will now also be based together in Little Aynam, where, in future, and in line with Government guidance, the Flood Information Hub will be opening to the public. This site will act as an information point for the community to visit to discuss any aspect of the scheme as well as providing a base for the project team.
Stewart Mounsey for the Environment Agency said: “Over the next few weeks the Environment Agency and our contractors, VBA, will begin installing a number of temporary sample flood panels on the River Kent near Little Aynam in Kendal.
“Once installed, residents will be able to visit the area to see the different flood wall finishes to get a feel for how the flood defences will look once phase one of the Flood Risk Management Scheme is complete. All works on installing the sample flood panels will be undertaken in line with current Government social distancing guidance.
“While we would like to open up the Flood Information Hub to the public to discuss issues and present key information, we are unable to do so yet. Once we are able, we will advertise the opening and look forward to welcoming the residents of Kendal to find out more about the planned scheme to reduce flood risk in the town. Meanwhile people can find out more on the Floodhub website.
“The safety and well-being of the communities and visitors to Kendal, along with our contractors and staff, is important. The Environment Agency will work with Cumbria County Council (CCC), South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), Kendal Town Council and other partners in order to plan for a safe start to construction in Kendal.”
More information on the Kendal Flood Scheme can be found on the flood hub https://thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal/
