Cumberland Council is updating residents and businesses that the flood alleviation work in and around Flimby will be continuing.
To alleviate flooding in Flimby and Maryport, the Environment Agency provided £1.5 million from its ‘Flood Defence Grant in Aid’ fund.
The flood alleviation programme has successfully completed the following works:
- Diversion of peak flows from Penny Gill to Furnace Gill.
- Remediation works to an existing flood gate adjacent to the A596.
- Upgrading the surface water drainage systems in the residential areas of Coniston Avenue
- Construction of additional dams to slow the flow of water in woodland to the east of Flimby.
- Substantial replacement of a culvert below the A596 at Bragg Beck.
The next stage of the works commenced in July, focusing on the diversion of the water main at Bragg Beck culvert. This is scheduled to take three weeks to complete.
Once the water main diversion is completed, the works will resume, and the following areas of work will be carried out:
- Completion of Bragg Beck Culvert
- Installation of Penny Gill diversion culvert
- Construction of Penny Gill flood storage bund
The A596 will continue to be accessible during the works on the Bragg Beck culvert. Traffic signal control will be in place during this period. The council advises the public to plan their journeys in advance, allowing for potential delays caused by the traffic lights.
The council is also improving sections of the A596, with the following roads being closed each evening, details are as follows:
- From Friday 14 to Thursday 20 July – a resurfacing project will take place through the night - A596 Prospect to Aspatria, with a full road closure.
- From Thursday 20 to Wednesday 26 July - A596 Wigton to Thursby, the road will be closed during the evening, with a rolling road closure.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“I am delighted that we have reached the final stages of this crucial flood alleviation project. This work is of utmost importance as it aims to provide the highest level of protection for our communities. By mitigating the risks associated with flooding, we can prevent the devastating impact it can have on people's lives, their homes, and their families.
“I would like to thank the locals for their patience and support throughout the duration of this project. The community’s cooperation has been instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of the work in the area”.
If residents or businesses in the area have any questions, they are advised to contact the Highways Hotline at 0300 373 3736, or email A596.flimby@cumbria.gov.uk
Cumberland Council would like to thank the community for their support and patience while these flood alleviation improvements are in progress and apologise for any inconvenience caused.