Better Protection from Floods for Central Anglia

Homes in Central Anglia, which covers Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, will be better protected from floods thanks to an unprecedented six-year £2.3 billion national flood defense program in England announced by the government today.

£47 million is set to be invested in Central Anglia alone where new flood defense schemes will help protect over 4,500 properties from flooding. A wide variety of flood defense schemes will be delivered, including work to improve flood storage and to prevent tidal erosion.

Examples of new schemes include:

– 17 schemes that will be led by Internal Drainage Boards (IDB) and will deliver improved flood protection to 2,800 properties for £18 million of government investment. This includes Islington Flood Risk Management Scheme delivered by Kings Lynn IDB that will protect 820 residential and commercial properties;

– The first project supporting the Wash East Coastal Management Strategy will be developed in partnership with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and the local community. This project will look to provide continued protection to 570 properties and 4,500 static caravans.

Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Protecting communities from the devastating effects of flooding is crucially important, so I have earmarked £47 million to protect homes and businesses across central Anglia.”

“Investing £2.3 billion to support 1,400 schemes across the country will protect 300,000 homes from the north-east to the south-west. As well as ensuring people’s safety and peace of mind will also bring over £30 billion of economic benefit, making it great value for money as part of this government’s drive for a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

Press Release