Work to help stop flooding in Egremont is on track to be completed later this year.
The Environment Agency has been working on the Skirting Beck and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to 220 residential and business properties.
It is on schedule for completion in autumn.
Construction is nearly complete on the West Lakes Academy, Falcon Club and How Bank flood storage areas, consisting of flood walls and flood embankments.
The sites are expected to be fully operational by spring.
Work on an underground water way or culvert at Croadalla Avenue has also been completed.
Work to create a new flood storage area at Whangs Beck upper and lower started before Christmas.
Once complete, all four flood storage areas will hold back a combined 54 thousand cubic meters of water, equivalent to over 21-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools, during heavy rainfall events and better protect properties from flooding downstream.
The flood risk management scheme will also provide the community with improved drainage systems. These are currently being designed and construction is due to start this summer.
Property flood resistance measures have also been delivered to 43 properties across the town, the agency said.
At least 600 trees are to be planted as part of the scheme. Many have already been planted at the 16.5 acres site of habitat improvement works at Black Beck. Further tree planting is planned to start this month at How Bank.
Paul Robertshaw, project executive for the scheme, said: “The Skirting and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme will not only better protect people and property from flooding but will create a better place for the community by providing an enhanced environment for wildlife to thrive.
“We are delighted to see the progress on this scheme and look forward to the benefits its completion will bring.
“The help and co-operation of local residents, West Lakes Academy, Falcon Club, schools and nurseries has helped this scheme come to fruition and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support.”
