Work on Newbury's £1.54m flood alleviation scheme to start in August
Environment Agency spokesman, Joe Giacomelli, confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 29) that construction work on the scheme is to start in August and finish in December.
[caption id="attachment_24577" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Click on above image to enlarge"][/caption]
The scheme will protect Newbury from the devastating effects of floodwater rising from the Kennet and Avon canal, which could potentially ruin businesses, homes and public buildings in the town.
“The scheme will deliver protection to parts of the town centre at risk from river flooding up to a one per cent chance of river flooding in any one year. Currently, some properties in those areas have anything up to a 20 per cent chance of flooding over the same period,” said Mr Giacomelli, adding: “Our scheme will offer flood protection to more than 380 residential and almost 70 commercial properties. Two nursery schools, two residential homes for the elderly and the A339 and A4 will also benefit.”
Evidence of preparatory work prior to the commencement of work on the scheme could be seen in Victoria Park last week, in the form of white, numbered, chalk markings along the Kennet and Avon canal towpath.
Mr Giacomelli confirmed the markings had been made by the agency’s surveyors, to indicate the position of service supplies, such as gas, or electricity, along the route of the scheme and in order to create a map for the agency, detailing the location of these services.
The scheme has proved a sticking point for cash-strapped local businesses, many of whom ignored a written plea from West Berkshire Council for contributions towards the scheme, as a December deadline sailed past.
In January however, the council announced a shortfall of £110,000 towards the scheme was in place, triggering a £1.2m government grant and enabling the scheme to go ahead.
A total of £2,100 has been pledged from local businesses - including Newbury Today's sister paper, the Newbury Weekly News - to be match funded by Greenham Common Trust.
In addition, a pledge of £20,000 was received from Sovereign Housing.
West Berkshire Council pledged £180,000 and Newbury Town Council £45,000 towards the scheme.
One in six homes in England is at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency.