The Environment Agency has completed work on an £18.5million flood scheme in Egremont that will reduce the flood risk to 220 properties.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison formally opened the scheme on December 9 in an official ribbon cutting event, attended by the key members of the community, councillors, schools and partners who helped to bring the scheme to completion.

The Environment Agency’s new chair, Alan Lovell was also present.

The new scheme has involved constructing flood storage areas, with flood walls and flood embankments, at West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, How Bank Farm and at Whangs Beck. Culvert, which are underground watercourses improvements also happened at Croadalla Avenue on Skirting Beck.

Property resistance measures having also been delivered to 36 properties across the town. Property resistance measures are undertaken inside a property to reduce damage caused by floodwaters.

As well as reducing flood risk, at least 600 trees have been planted as part of this scheme and 16.5 acres of habitat improvement works have been created in the area of Black Beck.

This brings benefits to the local environment and the local community through improvements such as educational ponds for use by local school children.

Sustainable Drainage Systems will also be delivered at various locations across Egremont by Cumbria County Council with Environment Agency funding. Sustainable Drainage Systems are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties

Paul Robertshaw, Project Executive at the Environment Agency said: “We are delighted that the £18.5million flood scheme is now complete, reducing the flood risk to 220 properties, ahead of winter this year.

“The scheme not only better protects people and properties in the area from flooding but has created a better place for the community by providing, improved community amenities and an enhanced environment for wildlife to thrive.

“The help and cooperation of local residents, West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, schools and nurseries has helped this scheme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support over the years.”

MP Trudy Harrison said: “This is a milestone day for the Egremont community. This area has suffered the devastating impact of repeated flooding for many years, and this significant investment will now make a real difference to families and businesses locally.

“I’d like to thank the Environment Agency and all the partners for working together for the benefit of the community.”

Mark Cronshaw, Framework Director for VolkerStevin, contractors for the scheme said: “It’s been a fantastic project to be involved with and we are delighted to have helped create a much-improved level of flood protection for the Egremont area and its residents.”