The first phase of Appleby’s flood defence scheme has been completed.
A new outfall at King George’s Field will allow water to be pumped away from Doomgate, Holme Street and Chapel Street in the town centre.
The Environment Agency and contractor, VolkerStevin, said it was completed on schedule and work has already begun to build a new pumping station in Broad Close Car Park. This will include a control building and five large underground shafts.
When complete, the pumping station will pump water from the Doomgate culvert, which currently backs up when the River Eden levels are high for long periods of time, into the River Eden.
This will reduce the build-up of water in the pipe network which currently causes flooding to properties around Holme Street, Chapel Street, Doomgate, High Weind, Low Weind and Bridge Street as well as local infrastructure.
The scheme will reduce the flood risk to 64 properties and local infrastructure when completed.
While construction work is ongoing within Broad Close car park, parking spaces will be partially closed for public safety.
A free temporary car park is due to open next month on the site of the former Edenside Care Home.
Demolition of the former care home has been completed, and owners of the site Oaklea Trust is working in partnership with the Environment Agency to provide temporary parking for the people of Appleby.
Toilets at Broad Close car park will remain open throughout the work. The riverside path is due to reopen to the public in the coming weeks, now that the outfall has been completed.
Environment Agency project manager Mike Harper said: “We are grateful to residents, business owners and visitors for their patience, as we had to partially close the Broad Close car park before the temporary car park was in place.
“However, this has ensured we have been able to complete this part of the work on time and within the in-river working period of July to September.
“The foundations for the new pumping station building are now in place, and we will now begin the above ground construction.
“Over the period of the new pumping station’s lifespan, we estimate this scheme will save in the region of £21 million in damages caused by flooding, as well as reducing the distress and disruption experienced by business owners and residents who could experience future flooding.”
