Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey visited Morecambe today (19 October) to officially open the town’s new flood defenses.
Funded by £10.8m central government grant-in-aid funding, the wave reflection wall defense will reduce flood risk to 11,400 homes and has a design life of 100 years, taking into consideration climate change and sea level rise.
Led by Lancaster City Council in partnership with the Environment Agency, the wall consists of 4km of reinforced concrete defenses that will provide protection against a major flood event.
Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “ Morecambe’s new Wave Reflection Wall, which has been entirely funded by the government, is absolutely fabulous and I want to thank the Council and other partners in their support in achieving this. ”
“ I also want to thank local MP David Morris who worked tirelessly to make the case for nearly £11m of investment into this flood defense, better protecting more than 13,000 homes and businesses as well as the local tourism industry from the risk of flooding .”
Environment Agency Area Director for Cumbria and Lancashire, Keith Ashcroft , said: “ The Morecambe Wave Reflection Wall is a great example of partnership: by working together the Environment Agency, Lancaster City Council, engineers VBAJV Ltd have created an exceptionally value-for-money sea defense. ”
Richard Walsh, project manager at VBA, a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business said: “ As the main contractor, VBA is extremely proud to be involved in a scheme that brings a wide range of benefits to the local community, not only protecting homes and businesses from flooding, but providing a lasting legacy to residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come .”