£3.7m Boost to fight flood risk

Mar 3 2010 By Russell Butt, Woking Informer

Flood risk to 183 properties and 13 community buildings will be reduced. Around 150 flood-protected properties will be constructed as part of the development.

THE Environment Agency has contributed £3.7 million to reduce the risk of flooding to almost 200 properties in Woking.

The cash injection comes as part of a partnership project with Woking Borough Council, approval for which was announced by Woking Borough Council and provides a multiple of benefits for the local community.

Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, Ian Tomes, said: "I am delighted that Woking Borough Council has approved this key partnership project with us."Our contribution to this ambitious project will significantly reduce flood risk for residents in the Kingfield area.

"It will help the council plan for additional housing as well as allowing the clear-up of contaminated land at the former Westfield Tip site, which is situated in the floodplain.

"The £3.7m has been provided by our Regional Flood Defence Committee and has already been paid to Woking in anticipation of the project starting."

Parts of Woking suffered significant damage and disruption due to flooding from the Hoe Stream in 2000.

This led to an investigation by the Environment Agency looking at how to reduce the risk posed by flooding and subsequently the likelihood of similar floods occurring.

These investigations led to the production of the Hoe Valley Scheme Project which is a partnership scheme led by Woking Borough Council with involvement from the Environment Agency, Thames Water and Surrey County Council.

The project will entail the building of flood walls and embankments, and a wetlands storage area, for containing water during times of peak flow.

Bridges will also be replaced to allow for increased capacity river flow.

Mr Tomes added: "By working in partnership with others we are able to achieve a much higher standard of flood defence than if we had carried out the work on our own.

"As well as benefiting the people of Hoe Valley, the scheme will also improve the local environment by providing additional green space along the river and creating additional wetland areas for wildlife."

Construction is due to begin later this year and continue through to August 2012.

Flood risk to 183 properties and 13 community buildings will be reduced. Around 150 flood-protected properties will be constructed as part of the development.