Work on Bude flood defence scheme gets underway

The £1.45million project is expected to be completed next April

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 29th Aug 2023

Works are getting underway for a major flood prevention scheme in Bude.

The Crescent Flood Defence and River Restoration Project aims to better protect 22 homes and 15 commercial and community properties on The Crescent and Ergue-Gaberic Way, between the River Neet and Bude Canal.

Main works begin today (Tuesday 29 August), meaning Nanny Moore’s Bridge and Ergue-Gaberic Way will be closed until the end of October for heavy construction works.

Erque-Gaberic Way will then have partial closures until April 2024, with access maintained for local premises.

Tony Rago, Asset Performance Advisor at the Environment Agency said: "The new works will strengthen the existing flood scheme and better protect the local community and economy from flood events, predicted to increase in the near future as a result of climate change."

When the construction work has been completed, the Environment Agency will replant the embankment with native species of local provenance. They say this will provide enhanced foraging and habitats and will act as an important green corridor.

Some non-native and ornamental species will also be planted to maintain the river character.

The £1.45million project is expected to be completed next April.

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