Digital platform launches for Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk scheme

Where the ground investigation works are due to take place Pic: Environment Agency — Where the ground investigation works took place earlier this year Pic: Environment Agency

Residents of Preston and South Ribble now have access to a new online platform to attend virtual meetings, access information and provide feedback on their proposed flood risk management scheme.

The £49m proposed scheme, which is expected to start construction in 2021, will reduce the risk of flooding to around 4,800 properties and businesses from Preston Riversway up towards the M6 and Higher Walton.

The scheme is receiving £6.52m in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the rest of the funding coming from the Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant in Aid, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and beneficiaries of the scheme.

Past flooding in the Preston area Pic: Stephen Melling

The Environment Agency, Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council and South Ribble Borough Council have launched the online platform to give local residents the opportunity to view detailed designs for the first sections of the scheme, in Broadgate, Riversway and Penwortham, as well as being a source of information for the community as the scheme progresses.

Andy Brown, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The launch of this online platform will help us continue our conversation with local residents about the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme.

“Information is now available online and we look forward to receiving feedback from residents on the plans.

“While we cannot hold face-to-face meetings due to current government restrictions, we hope that this online space will help us to continue our conversations and share information virtually.

“We are excited to share the next stage of designs with the community, and welcome comments and feedback on the proposals.”

The Environment Agency will also be sending out newsletters to households so that anyone who cannot access the online platform can still engage and comment on the scheme.

To access the platform, visit:

https://nwfrm.uk.engagementhq.com/preston-and-south-ribble-flood-risk-management-scheme

Will you be using the new online platform? Let us know in the comments below