What are we doing
The Environment Agency is currently constructing a £6.1 million flood risk management scheme in Keswick that will improve protection to more than 180 homes and business from flooding from the River Greta.
The works started in May 2011 and are being carried out by contractors, Volker Stevin, on behalf of the Environment Agency. We expect all work on the Keswick Flood Risk Management Scheme to be completed by the end of July 2012. The Environment Agency is working hard to ensure all disruption is kept to a minimum whilst the construction is taking place.
Some areas of Keswick, such as Elliot Park and Penrith Road, are also at risk of flooding from other sources such as surface water. The Environment Agency is working in partnership with United Utilities, Cumbria County Council, and Keswick Flood Action Group to investigate this problem and identify solutions. We are also working closely with Cumbria County Council to make sure that there is no increased risk of surface water flooding within the town as a whole.
Latest news
The Environment Agency continues to work closely with United Utilities to minimise disruption to the local community whilst both organisations are carrying out work in Keswick. United Utilities are undertaking work to upgrade the sewer system. We hold coffee mornings for the local community every fortnight, where people can find out more information about both United Utilities and Environment Agency work in Keswick.
Programme of works
We are currently working in various locations throughout Keswick to build the Keswick Flood Risk Management Scheme. Details of these sites are below.
Southey Hill Trading Estate
Work is currently underway to construct slate clad reinforced concrete walls around the Southey Hill trading estate.
Penrith Road
The existing wall is currently being strengthened and a new reinforced concrete flood defence wall is being built, finished in locally sourced stone. This provides protection from flooding from the River Greta.
Downstream of Greta Bridge
Flood walls are being raised on both sides of the river from Greta Bridge up to the entrance of Howrah’s field and the Rugby Club. This will be completed by June 2012.
High Hill
The High Hill wall has been raised by approximately half a metre using reinforced concrete, clad in local stone and glass panels. The glass panels maintain views of the river, whilst reducing flood risk. The glass panels were installed before Christmas and are receiving many positive comments. In the coming weeks, the flood defence at the old steps will be raised to match the level of the glass panels.
Crosthwaite Road
The new flood wall is currently being built half a metre higher than the existing wall along Crosthwaite Road and will be clad in local stone to match the surroundings. Crosthwaite Road is currently closed to traffic. Access is in place for properties along the road and diversions are in place for all other traffic. This closure is necessary due to the large equipment needed to create the new flood defence wall and the space needed to provide a temporary flood defence. This will ensure we continue to protect homes from the risk of flooding whilst the construction work is being carried out. A pedestrian footpath remains in place.
Lower Fitz Park
The new flood defence embankment in Fitz Park is taking shape and has been extend around the hospital. The embankments will be landscaped to match existing surroundings, whilst providing a robust flood defence. We expect this embankment to be completed by the end of May 2012.
Elliot Park and Greta Grove
The embankments surrounding Elliot Park and Greta Grove, that provide protection from river flooding, have been strengthened and raised.
Useful information
Further Information
For more information, advice, or to raise any concerns you may have about the Keswick Flood Risk Management Scheme please contact:
