The Environment Agency is working with Port of Blyth to build the new flood wall, which will protect the coastal town from tidal flooding.
According to the EA, the work has started on this £600,000 flood scheme which will protect homes and businesses in a Northumberland coastal town from tidal flooding.
The project in the Cowpen area of Blyth will see an existing 180m flood wall upgraded and extended to create a 380m wall to reduce the risk of flooding to the town.
“ When taking climate change into account these new defenses, from Crawford Street to Quay Road, will protect over 1,000 properties into the future while also offering immediate improved protection from tidal flooding to 58 properties ,” the Environment Agency said.
The work is being funded by the Environment Agency but is being built by Port of Blyth as part of their wider redevelopment of the adjacent Bates and Wimbourne Terminals. The flood defenses are due to be completed in Spring 2018.
Leila Huntington, the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Manager for the North East, said: “ We have been working closely with Port of Blyth to support the development of a flood wall as part of a wider land development scheme.”
Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth , added: “ This project is a real win-win for the town of Blyth and the Port. As a result of this program of flood defense work, a huge number of homes and businesses within Blyth will be protected by the flood risks presented by global warming.”
The scheme will also enable the Port to move forward with its development plans for connecting Bates and Wimbourne Quay terminals which will attract inward investment into the town.