Home / Environment / Lancashire Gears Up for £47.5M Flood Defence Boost
Lancashire Gears Up for £47.5M Flood Defence Boost
17 Mar
Summary
- Lancashire to receive £47.5 million for flood defences.
- Projects in Blackpool and Preston aim to protect 5,000 homes.
- Funding is part of a national £1.4 billion Environment Agency investment.
Lancashire is poised to benefit from a substantial £47.5 million investment in flood defence and coastal erosion mitigation. This funding will support two major initiatives: approximately £32 million allocated for coastal erosion control along the Fylde coastline, and over £15 million for natural flood defence schemes in Preston and South Ribble. These projects are designed to enhance protection for an estimated 5,000 homes upon completion.
The investment is a component of the Environment Agency's nationwide £1.4 billion programme, which aims to shield numerous homes and businesses. The agency highlights that every £1 invested in flood defence is projected to prevent £8 in economic damages, potentially saving billions. Natural flood defence methods, such as 'leaky barriers', will be employed to slow water flow and delay flooding, complementing traditional defences.
These natural flood management schemes are being implemented in areas including Clitheroe, Darwen, and Wrea Green. Methods involve peat restoration and tree planting to manage rainwater more effectively, alongside the creation of attenuation ponds. Flooding Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the devastating impact of floods, while Caroline Douglass from the Environment Agency emphasized the broad scope of over 600 schemes across England. This enhanced funding for Lancashire follows recent flood damage experienced in the region.
