Leicester flood risk management scheme plans showcased at public drop-in event
14 Apr 2014 10:29 AM
Plans for the first
phase of the new Leicester flood risk management scheme were unveiled at a
public drop-in event last week (10 April 2014)
The 1pm to 8pm event at Abbey
Pumping Station Museum on Corporation Road, Leicester, was jointly organised by
the Environment Agency and Leicester City Council.
The key objective of the
Leicester flood risk management scheme is to reduce flood risk from river and
surface water flooding and is a joint initiative between the Environment Agency
and Leicester City Council. Construction of the first phase is expected next
year.
A significant area of Leicester
is at risk of flooding from the River Soar or nearby smaller watercourses. In
November 2012, large parts of the city narrowly avoided flooding, but we need
to plan for the future. The project will also help to release the economic
potential of brown field sites currently at significant risk of flooding,
whilst improving the public open spaces alongside the river.
As part of the project, the
Environment Agency carried out a four week programme of exploratory ground
investigations in January. This exercise allowed the project team to understand
the makeup of the ground along the River Soar. The ground investigations were
just part of a series of surveys and investigations which were undertaken to
help shape the project.
Environment Agency Project
Manager Charles Chandler said:
It has been a really exciting
and marvellous opportunity so far to work on this new plan for Leicester.
Together with partners Leicester City Council, we’re continuing to
develop a holistic approach to reducing flood risk for the local community,
which ultimately will help deliver wider economic and environmental
benefits.
Leicester City Council’s
Head of Highways Martin Fletcher said:
We are pleased to be a partner
in this project and that we have been able to recommend this site for flood
risk management work around wetland and conservation. It’s great that the
Environment Agency has chosen to put its energy and resources into reducing the
risk of flooding to homes and businesses in the city, as well as improving the
riverside environment. We will continue to work closely with our Environment
Agency colleagues to deliver these improvements.
More information about
the Leicester flood
risk management scheme