Work has begun on another phase of Kendal’s £76 million flood risk management scheme.
The Environment Agency and contractors Volker Stevin have started work to construct the new flood wall around the riverside boundary of Waterside Flats, and a second flood defence wall which will tie into the boundary wall on the south side of Holy Trinity Church
It is estimated the work will take around eight months to complete.
When complete, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the River Kent catchment.
As the work is riverside, a road and footpath closure will be required and a diversion will be in place. The neighbouring play park will remain open.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for Cumbria, said: “Construction of the £76million Flood Risk Management Scheme for Kendal is progressing, with contractors now starting work to build flood defence walls along the riverside boundary of Waterside Flats and Holy Trinity Church.
“The work in this location will take around eight months to complete and will involve building two flood defence walls. When finished, the wall will be finished in natural stone. Improvements will also be made to existing footpaths to create better access for pedestrians.
“Before work began, a survey to identify any nesting birds was carried out as was a tree assessment.
£We have been able to reduce the number of trees to be removed. Sadly three trees will need to be removed, but we will be planting in 20 new trees and a diverse range of ornamental shrubs and grasses upon completion of works in this area.”
