Flood project to boost defence of 750 homes

The latest phase of the East Lytham project, which will help protect 750 homes from flooding, will see improvements carried out at Dock Bridge.

The East Lytham project will see drainage improved near Liggard Brook, Birks Watercourse and the Main Drain in a bid to protect homes.

The latest phase of the project, which is being carried out by the Environment Agency, and will last two months, will also see improvement works at Dock Bridge, desilting work near to tidal  mudflats and river desilting in the next two months.

Desilting, which involves dredging and removing silt deposits, helps reduce the risk of flooding due to deposits that can cause blockages in the flow of water.

The scheme follows criticism of a £400,000 project carried out earlier this year on improvements at the Dock Bridge pumping station.

Some farmers had criticised a delay in completing the work and said more needed to be done because of the risk of widespread flooding during autumn and winter.

Andy Brown, EA flood risk manager, said: “The East Lytham project offers the chance to maintain the current level of protection to 750 homes.

“We are pleased to be working with local groups to progress this project, and  although we do not always  see eye to eye, we value their local knowledge and will  continue to listen to their views.”