Phase Two of Leighton Buzzard Defence Scheme

Working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, the Environment Agency on Friday, February 6th, started the second phase of work to help reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Leighton Buzzard’s Carina Drive.

Paul Burrows, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The works planned are a significant achievement and a testimony to the hard work and commitment of all involved to find an affordable project for the town. This kind of partnership approach between Authorities is an important way to reduce flood risk to local communities.”

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We will continue to work together with the Environment Agency to manage risk in the town. I would also like to remind landowners adjacent to the watercourse that as riparian owners, they have a duty to ensure that the brook flows without obstruction.”

Central Bedfordshire Council staff carried out the first phase of the work in December 2014. This involved tree pollarding and cutting back vegetation ahead of site inspections and surveys.

This second phase of the work will include widening the brook channel, clearing vegetation from the channel, lowering a small section of ground on the Carina Drive side of the brook to redirect floodwater away from homes. It will also include the building of a small flood bank to defend homes.

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