The £56m Rochdale and Littleborough scheme is led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Rochdale Brough Council, Network Rail, the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Transport for Greater Manchester, and the Departments for Education and Transport.

Phase 1B will involve the construction of a storage reservoir at Gale, sheet piled flood walls, and a programme of measures to improve water flow and flood defences along the River Roch and its tributaries. Work has already begun with the construction of working platforms ahead of pile installation by VolkerGround Engineering. Over 2000t of sheet piles are to be installed on the project using low carbon sheet piles which save 567kg of carbon per tonne of steel compared to hot rolled sheet piles.

All civil works on Phase 1A have now been completed and the landscaping is due to be completed in the spring. The new 22m single span bridge replaces the existing bridge and footbridge allowing widening of the river to improve water flow. The improved flood walls and reinforced embankments provide essential flood protection for the community.

Mark Cronshaw, framework director said: “We are delighted that we’ve been awarded the next phase of work on this key project. It is testament to the great work of the team and the collaborative approach with all our partners that has successfully delivered Phase 1A.”

The defence scheme is being delivered in multiple phases, and involves a range of measures, to reduce the risk of flooding to 1,000 residential properties and 200 local businesses.