Flood defence works in Lancashire set for huge boost in £1.4billion Government investment
Thousands of homes and businesses across Lancashire will be better protected from flooding thanks to a major new investments announced by the Environment Agency today.
Projects in Preston, South Ribble and along the Fylde Coast will get a slice of a £1.4billion national investment in flood defences in 2026/27 — part of the largest flood programme in England's history, with at least £10.5 billion being invested between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Where in Lancashire?
The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme, which has already seen improvements to flood defences in Lower Penwortham and Broadgate, will receive £15.2million and, when complete, will protect around 5,000 homes and businesses.
The Environment Agency will also work closely with Risk Management Authority partners to deliver £51.78million of coastal projects in 26/27 in Cumbria and Lancashire These include projects in Anchorsholme, Blackpool, Bispham, Starr Hills sand dunes, Cleveleys/Fleetwood and Millom.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: "Flooding can turn lives upside down in a matter of hours, destroying homes, shutting down businesses and leaving communities facing months of heartbreak and recovery. This £1.4 billion investment will help protect tens of thousands of homes and businesses across the country and strengthen the defences families rely on when the worst happens.
"We've already stepped in to stabilise our flood assets after years of decline and this funding goes further, creating thousands of jobs, protecting communities from billions of pounds of damage, and unlocking new homes and businesses in places made safer from flooding."
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency, said: "This investment allows the Environment Agency and our partners to continue our work needed to protect communities from flooding. With more than 600 schemes being delivered across England, in partnership with local authorities, homes and businesses will benefit from stronger defences. From major flood barriers and strengthened embankments to natural flood management and coastal defence projects, we're combining engineering and nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and build long-term resilience for communities across the country."
Carol Holt, Environment Agency Area Director for Cumbria & Lancashire, said:“This investment allows the Environment Agency and our partners to deliver60 flood schemes across the Northwest, protecting thousands of homes and businesses from flooding. Working with local councils and partners, we’re delivering a wide range of projects, from traditional flood and coastal defences to natural flood management, to better protect communities now and into the future.”
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