Broadgate flood wall works won’t be finished by December as delays continue – Blog Preston - United Kingdom News Beep

The Agency’s flood and coastal risk manager Richard Knight said: “We are doing everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum, and we apologise for the delay to the construction programme.

“The Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme is a large infrastructure project that has taken years of careful planning and construction. This is essential work and once complete, the Scheme will reduce flood risk for thousands of homes and businesses.

“We’re continuing to liaise with local businesses and residents. The Environment Agency has a compensation process for those who have experienced adverse financial impact as a direct result of our works.”

Work on the scheme began in 2022 and most of Broadgate and all of the Penwortham side of the scheme were re-opened in December last year upon completion.

But the Riverside section has continued to need further work meaning it was extended until December this year, but this fresh delay means work will continue into Spring next year.

Explaining the new piling method the Environment Agency said they will create an ‘underground wall’ which stops water going under the floodwall while they work and has a design life of 100 years. They say it will be a more robust solution.

Rock bags have also now been placed along the riverbank at Riverside to prevent further erosion by the River Ribble.

New wetlands still not open despite recent rainfall

Across the river close to Margaret Road in Penwortham is what’s due to be a new mini nature reserve and wetlands – the Ribble Sidings.

Work began last summer and the Environment Agency had planned to open it during the Spring, but the dry summer months meant it was parched and anything but a wetlands.

The Ribble Siding wetlands beginning to fill with water Pic: Environment Agency

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “”The recent rainfall has seen the ponds at Ribble Sidings wetland start to fill again. The increased water levels mean we can now complete planting in the ponds, which will create an insect-friendly habitat. Fencing will remain up whilst those wetland species establish.

“We appreciate people’s patience as we work to create this community space and will open it up as soon as we can.”

Meanwhile the flood defence works are due to move upstream next year as plans for the Walton-le-Dale section of the flood defences near London Road and Victoria Road are worked on.

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