Hexham flood scheme on the way

An Environment Agency scheme to better protect businesses and homes from flooding on two industrial estates in Hexham is taking a step forward with the Final Business Case approved and funding secured for the £5.2million Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Funding for the new schemes is from the Government’s £5.2 billion investment to better protect 336,000 properties across England by 2027 by constructing flood and coastal defences, in addition to contributions from Northumberland County Council.

Up to £193 million of this will be invested in the North East, with flood alleviation schemes planned for Hexham and Team Valley, among others.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are now entering into the final design stages for the embankment on the Skinnerburn and continue to remain committed to delivering an improved standard of protection for the business on the estates.

“Our proposed scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding at both industrial estates and will protect homes and businesses up to the level of the Storm Desmond 2015 flood event.”

Once planning consent and access agreements are in place, BAM Nuttall, the principal contractor is due on site in Hexham in December 2021, with completion of the scheme running into late summer/autumn 2022.