Isle of Wight Flood Scheme Underway

Construction works are underway on a new £5 million flood scheme that will better protect more than 300 properties in Ryde, reports the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency Manager John O’Flynn said: “We are delighted to be launching this multi-million pound scheme on the island, which includes over £1 million of partner contributions that will benefit so many local homes and businesses. A sensible approach to funding and a good relationship with our partners has allowed us to begin the work in early spring.”

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “We are investing £2.6 billion to better protect the country from flooding, including over 1,500 flood defense schemes which will better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.”

Cabinet member for environment and heritage Councillor John Hobart, said: “Together with our partners, the Isle of Wight Council and the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, we are making great progress on flood prevention measures for Ryde.”

The first stage of the project is to build a new outfall pipe from the sea wall in front of the existing pump station across Ryde sands to the marina. This will mean a clear outfall is maintained allowing more water to be discharged to the sea in heavy rainfall events and a significant reduction in the frequency of river flows overtopping the bank and flooding land and properties in Ryde.

This work will result in the closure of the section of beach from the existing outfall to Ryde Marina. The Environment Agency expects these essential works to be completed in July 2018, allowing it to reopen for the summer holidays.

The second and final stage is the construction of a flood wall around Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Marymead Close and the river boundary of the BT depot. These works are planned to start in June 2018 and be completed by October 2018.