The Environment Agency (EA), Lancashire County Council and partners are working together to develop the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme (PSR FRMS). This scheme will provide flood risk mitigation for communities from Preston Riversway up towards the M6 and Higher Walton.

The FRMS is split into five areas of development: Area 1 (Riversway and Broadgate), Area 2 (Lower Penwortham), Area 3 (Frenchwood and Walton-le-Dale along River Ribble), Area 4 (Walton-le-Dale along River Darwen) and Area 5 (Higher Walton).

Phases 1 and 2 cover Riversway, Broadgate and Lower Penwortham. The scheme will comprise defences made up of flood walls with localised use of glass panels and embankments. The new defences will consider climate change and include environmental enhancements and mitigation. There will also be a focus on growth, regeneration and natural flood risk management where possible.

Mark Reed, project manager for VolkerStevin, said: “We are delighted to get started on this vital flood defence scheme, and be working collaboratively with the Environment Agency, in partnership with Lancashire County Council. There are some flood defences already in place; however, they have been there for approximately 60 years and are coming to the end of their life. So, once the new defences are in place, it will mean that the 5,000 surrounding residential properties and businesses will be better protected in the future.”

The scheme for Areas 1 and 2 has acquired conditional permission by the Planning Authorities and construction has commenced; the scheme for Areas 3, 4 and 5 is currently in the design development phase.