£49m flood defence scheme for Preston and South Ribble moves closer to reality

The Environment Agency has been working alongside local councils for three years to develop the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme, which would include new defence walls and embankments. The plans will also see existing defences refreshed and the use of glass paneling to maintain river views.

If plans are passed, work on the scheme is expected to begin in late summer 2021, with completion in 2024.

>>>Read more about the scheme's details hereAndy Brown (inset), flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The submission of this planning application brings us a step closer towards better protecting homes and business from flooding in Preston and South Ribble, and creating a climate resilient city.

“If approved, work will begin in 2021 on the first phase of the scheme to renew and improve the current flood defences the Broadgate and Riversway. The second phase of the scheme will focus on Lower Penwortham.”

Eventually, the aim is to rewnew flood defences from Preston Riversway up towards the M6 and Higher Walton, protecting homes and businesses in Broadgate, Riversway, Penwortham, Walton Le Dale, Samlesbury, and Frenchwood by 2024.

>>>Read how 600 trees could be felled as part of the scheme. Click here.

The scheme is receiving £6.525m in funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

The rest will come from Government Flood Defence Grant in Aid, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and beneficiaries of the scheme.