Major sea defence construction starts
11 Apr 2014 12:40 PM
Work begins on new scheme to protect 12,000
homes and businesses
People in Rossall and Anchorsholme in Lancashire will be
better protected from the risk of flooding thanks to £85 million of
government funding towards two new major sea defences.
The
new sea defences near Blackpool form part of one of the UK’s biggest
coastal defence schemes. In total, they will protect 12,000 homes and
businesses as well as vital infrastructure like roads and
railways.
The
sea defence in Rossall will be 2km long, from Rossall Hospital to Rossall
Point. The Anchorsholme sea defence will stretch 1km from Kingsway to Little
Bispham.
Both sea defences are starting construction ahead of
schedule.
Speaking at the launch of the construction in Blackpool,
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said:
These new sea defences will provide vital protection to
homes and the local economy and I’m delighted to see construction
starting today.
This winter’s extraordinary weather showed just
how important it is to invest in infrastructure to build a stronger
economy.
We
are spending more than ever before to protect homes and businesses from the
risk of flooding and build a more resilient country for the
future.
Partnership funding contributions from Wyre Council,
Fleetwood Town Council and Regenda Housing have also helped to fund the
works.
The
government is spending £2.4 billion on flood management and protection
from coastal erosion. That is more than ever before and the record investment
will continue. By the end of the decade, at least 465,000 households will be
better protected from the risk of flooding.
Across the country, 55 flood defence schemes will begin
construction this year, delivering better protection to 43,000
properties.
Chairman of the Environment Agency Lord Chris Smith
said:
I
am delighted that work has commenced on the Rossall and Anchorsholme flood
schemes, reducing the risk of flooding to 12,000 properties along the Fylde
Coast.
These two schemes are the result of much hard work from
the whole partnership and I’m proud of the commitment shown by all
organisations involved.