The final phase of a North Tyneside flood reduction scheme has just begun.
Northumbrian Water, North Tyneside Council and the Environment Agency are working together to help protect residents in Killingworth and Longbenton from future flooding.
Work on the £6 million scheme, which first began in July 2016, is underway once again and is expected to continue until April 2019. It is being carried out by Northumbrian Water’s supply partners Esh-MWH.
Sustainable techniques will be used to help manage surface water at Killingworth Lake, where the south bank of the lake will be re-contoured and new trees and shrubs will be planted. This will also help to improve wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
A new underground pipeline from Killingworth Lake, across Station Road and through the council depot access road, will also be installed. Under Station Road, the section of pipe will be fitted using tunnelling instead of digging trenches – meaning the road will remain open as usual.
Lynn Preston, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager for the scheme said: “We’re looking forward to getting phase three of this major project underway.
“Managing surface water better is key to reducing the risk of flooding, as it frees up space within the network, but working with our partners means that we’re doing this in the best way possible – ensuring we’re also taking into account ways in which we can protect and enhance the environment.
“We’re grateful to our customers for their contributions to this project and their patience so far. We appreciate that the work may cause some short-term disruption, but we’re confident that it will provide long-term benefits for the local community.”
Environment Agency Project Manager, Nicola Hyslop, said: “It’s great news that the third and final phase of this project is underway. Together with our partners we’ve worked really hard to ensure the local community is involved in this project and their contributions and suggestions have played a key role throughout.
“As well as reducing flood risk this innovative project is protecting and enhancing the environment and we’re certain it will provide long-term benefits to the community, not just in terms of flood risk but also as a facility for them to enjoy.”
Residents can keep up to date on the progress of the works by following the link to the Killingworth & Longbenton page on
www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk.
