Flooding risk reduced for 300k homes
CITY SCHEME HELPS AGENCY HIT MILESTONE
FLOOD risk work in Leicester has helped a government body reach a milestone of better protecting 300,000 homes since 2015.
The Environment Agency said it and partners have completed more than 700 projects to better protect homes, plus nearly 600,000 acres of agricultural land, thousands of businesses and major pieces of infrastructure.
It said key projects include the £8 million Leicester Flood Risk Management Scheme, a partnership with Leicester City Council that has helped reduce the risk of flooding from the River Soar to more than 2,000 homes.
Paul Lockhart, East Midlands flood and coastal risk manager for the agency, said:“This is a fantastic milestone to reach and highlights the commitment of our staff and the partners we have worked alongside to deliver hugely ambitious and important flood defence projects.
“These projects will help save the economy money in avoided damages, provide reassurance to previously flood-hit communities and encourage economic growth in these areas.
“Looking forward, we are already working hard to deliver the next six-year programme.”
City deputy mayor, Councillor Adam Clarke, said: “Managing flood risk has always been a challenge for Leicester.
“The climate emergency and the increased likelihood of severe weather events has made that challenge even more difficult.
“It’s only through our strong partnership with the Environment Agency that we have been able to deliver major improvements along the River Soar corridor, reducing flood risk and the potential for devastating damage to hundreds of properties.
“Together, we have also created wildlife habitats, cycling and walking opportunities and new public open space for the city’s residents to enjoy at Ellis Meadows.”
■ Development corporation plan, Page 22.