Rickerby’s £5 million flood risk management scheme is now complete.
The scheme, built by the Environment Agency and contractors Volkerstevin will help to protect 34 properties in the village from flooding.
The scheme is made up of 400 metres of new flood defence walls and 100m of raised flood embankments along Brunstock Beck to prevent flooding to the village downstream.
As part of the scheme, 99 trees, 475 metres of native hedge and 657 square metres of native species woodland bushes and trees have been planted to encourage biodiversity to the area.
Stewart Mounsey, Cumbria flood and coastal risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Following the devastating flooding caused by Storm Desmond it’s great to see this flood scheme is now complete.
“I would also like to thank our partners, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council along with our contractors, Volkerstevin, for their support and for everything they have done to complete this project during what has been an exceptionally challenging year.
“While we can never guarantee that there will not be more flooding in the future, we hope that this scheme will bring peace of mind to the people of Rickerby.”
Residents at risk of flooding should always prepare in advance by going online and signing up for free flood warnings or calling the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to find out what they can do to protect themselves and their property when flooding hits.
Penrith and The Border MP Dr Neil Hudson, covering the Rickerby area said: “While the coronavirus pandemic has delayed so much this year, it is brilliant news for the people of Rickerby that this project has reached completion.
“A great example of the Environment Agency and the local community working together to reduce flood risk.
I would like to thank the community of Rickerby and the Environment Agency for bringing this project to life.”
Paul Hampson and Tim Hayes-Jones, of Rickerby Flood Action Group, said: “Back in December 2015, the residents of Rickerby were devastated by the floods caused by Storm Desmond.
“For the past five years the winters have been stressful for all the residents, but thanks to the dedication and hard work of the Environment Agency and the Rickerby Flood Group, the scheme is now complete which will protect us against a Storm Desmond event.
“On behalf of the Rickerby community we would like to thank the Environment Agency, their contractors and all those involved for their dedication and support, professionalism, co-operation with the residents and engineering accomplishments.
“With the advent of climate change, no one knows exactly what lies ahead, but at least for the foreseeable future we will be able to sleep easy knowing we have the new flood scheme.”
