Events to show progress on £35m scheme to tackle flooding in Par and St Blazey
It is aiming to reduce the flood risk over the next 25 years
People are being invited to have their say on a £35million project that is tackling flooding in Par and St Blazey.
It is aiming to reduce the flood risk over the next 25 years and drop-in open day events are being held.
Residents are invited to see for themselves the progress that has been made since work began in summer 2019, and the details of the next phase of works.
The StARR (St Austell Bay Resilient Regeneration) project has already seen work carried out by the Environment Agency and Cornwall Council to reduce the risk of flooding from surface water, river flooding and tidal flooding.
The works include new and improved flood defences along the Par River, tree planting, water storage features and rain gardens, where water can be collected to create a more diverse space and wildlife habitat, and highway drainage improvements.
The StARR team, including representatives from Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency, Westcountry Rivers Trust and contractors Kier and Cormac, will be holding the drop in events at The Burrows Centre.
Residents will be able to view photos and plans of the work done so far and find out about the remaining construction work at the community event.
Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change said: “In the past, Par and St Blazey have seen damaging floods every few years and with climate change, sea level rises and more intense rainfall, the risk of flooding is going to increase.”
“The StARR project will benefit the whole community by improving flood resilience for homes, businesses, community facilities, roads and rail links, making the area a better place to live and work.”
“I encourage everyone to drop in to the information event, meet members of the project team, ask any questions you may have and share ideas on how we can all make positive changes for the future as the climate changes.”
The StARR information events will be held at The Burrows Centre, Lamellyn Road, Par on Friday 6th May, from 2pm to 7pm, and Saturday 7th May, 10am to 1pm.
You can find the latest scheme announcements by following Twitter @StARRscheme or by visiting the StARR project Let’s Talk Cornwall website: www.letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/starr
The project is receiving £7.8 million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).