The council’s Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) project team successfully bid for funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) and has been working with its partners and other Risk Management Authorities to reduce the risk of flooding on the coastal road network (the A5087) and a nearby property.
The project consisted of the design and construction of upgraded drainage infrastructure, approximately 140m in length, including a new above ground outflow pipe, discharging into Morecambe Bay. The infrastructure will provide a new route of conveyance from the known localised flood hotspot, enabling water present in the area to be dispersed into the sea efficiently, whilst removing the number of blockages at the outfall.
Due to the coastal location of the site, a licence from the Marine Management Organisation had to be obtained prior to construction commenced which specified strict timescales for when some elements of the works could be carried out.
Construction works were completed in November 2022 by local contractor Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd, on behalf of Cumbria County Council.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“I am pleased that these important works have been completed in Aldingham, providing better protection to the coastal road network (A5087) from flooding and of course the property in the local area which was prone to flooding.
“The council’s investment, alongside partners, into flood alleviation projects is essential to provide the best protection for our communities, and to avoid the devastation that flooding can bring to people’s lives, their homes and their families.
“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience whilst these works were programmed and completed, our contractors – Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd, and all involved in the various projects around Cumbria to ensure communities are confident in having the best protection against flood-risk possible.”
