Flood defence plan for Burnley homes (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Flood defence plan for Burnley homes
9:05am Thursday 26th July 2012 in News
By Chris Gee, Reporter
GOOD NEWS Coun Tony Harrison
A SCHEME aiming to protect more than 700 Burnley properties from floods has been announced.
The Environment Agency is asking for consent to build a man-made river embankment in the Fulledge Recreation Ground.
The proposed embankment, which would be around three feet in height, would stretch from the south-east end of Mitella Street, around the children’s play area, and then tie into the higher ground at the end of Olympia Street near Thursfield Road.
Once in place it would protect homes and businesses from flooding from the nearby River Calder.
Gary Hilton from the Environment Agency said: “The extended period of rainfall we have been experiencing this summer highlights the devastating con-sequences of flooding.
“Fulledge escaped the worst of it, but our proposed flood defences at the Fulledge Recreation Ground and improvements to the Unity College spillway would reduce the risk of flooding from the River Calder to around 730 properties.
“Before submitting our planning application, we spoke to residents, who were in favour of the plans.”
As well as constructing the proposed embankment, the Environment Agency is also proposing improvements to the existing flood storage basin at Unity College.
The basin’s capacity would be increased to hold increased amounts of flood water up-stream from residential areas after heavy rainfall.
Mr Hilton added: “The proposed embankment would be finished in the same shallow, grassy slopes as the existing embankment at the recreation ground to ensure it fits in with the local landscape and we would provide pedestrian ramps to ensure access is maintained.
“Similarly, we would maintain existing pathways at Unity College.”
If the plans are approved, construction is planned before the end of the year.
Councillor Tony Harrison, who represents the Brunshaw ward, said flooding in the area had been a “real nuisance” for the residents close to the river.
He added: “It’s welcome news that the problems are being addressed as periodic flooding has happened in this area for several years.”
Comments(4)
notchuffed
says...
9:52am Thu 26 Jul 12
What folly and foolish people decided to build a (I hesitate to call it a college) school where it is?
As a child I grew up in the Fulledge (top of Lyndhurst Road) where we had many, many wet summers resulting in what was then known as "The Co-op Field" along with Fulledge Rec, Townely School and at the bottom of the "Rabbit Run" always being flooded. We used to make oil drum rafts tied together with planks and string and paddle across the rec, the biggest danger was if you tried to cross the river (no 'Elf 'n' Safety Trolls in those days)
I also recall the Wakes Week Fairground people refusing to come to Burnely, because of the flooding.
So who decided to build on such land? Another idiotic decision by people who haven't a clue about areas they are supposed to know about.
Heretical
says...
10:25am Thu 26 Jul 12
I witnessed some suits with clipboards,while the work was actually taking place watching it being done ,discuss how inadequate the finished job would be....they were right! So the engineers knew from the off that it would have to be redone.Shameful.but hey,let's throw money away...why not..
DaveBurnley
says...
8:01am Sat 28 Jul 12
notchuffed wrote:You're quite right about the decision to put a new school on a flood plain, unfortunately this was Lancashire County who ignored local knowledge and went ahead in their usual pig headed manner.
Absolutely amazed at this requirement so late in the day. What has changed around Fulledge Rec regarding the weather and conditions - nothing. What has changed regarding buildings - Plenty.
What folly and foolish people decided to build a (I hesitate to call it a college) school where it is?
As a child I grew up in the Fulledge (top of Lyndhurst Road) where we had many, many wet summers resulting in what was then known as "The Co-op Field" along with Fulledge Rec, Townely School and at the bottom of the "Rabbit Run" always being flooded. We used to make oil drum rafts tied together with planks and string and paddle across the rec, the biggest danger was if you tried to cross the river (no 'Elf 'n' Safety Trolls in those days)
I also recall the Wakes Week Fairground people refusing to come to Burnely, because of the flooding.
So who decided to build on such land? Another idiotic decision by people who haven't a clue about areas they are supposed to know about.
burner says...
9:30am Thu 26 Jul 12