A pilot project is aiming to reduce surface water flooding in Great Yarmouth and its surrounding area.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Northgate Street is one of the areas that will be targeted by a new project which aims to reduce surface water flooding. Photo: Bill DarnellNorthgate Street is one of the areas that will be targeted by a new project which aims to reduce surface water flooding. Photo: Bill Darnell (Image: Archant © 2006)

The National Flood Forum charity is working in partnership with Norfolk County Council and Anglian Water on the scheme, which will see sustainable urban drainage solutions (SUDS) installed in high-risk areas.

Increased flooding is one of the main risks communities face from the effects of climate change in the future, according to the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017, and areas of Great Yarmouth, Bradwell and Gorleston have been severely affected by flooding in recent years.

Modelling by the Lead Local Flood Authority has identified the potential reduction of the risk of surface water flooding by retrofitting SUDS, such as slow release water butts, raised planters and porous surfaces.

Homeowners and business owners can apply to have SUDS installed at no charge and Michelle Steel, project officer at the National Flood Forum, said the features could benefit the whole community.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Northgate Street is one of the areas that will be targeted by a new project which aims to reduce surface water flooding. Photo: Bill DarnellNorthgate Street is one of the areas that will be targeted by a new project which aims to reduce surface water flooding. Photo: Bill Darnell (Image: Archant © 2006)

She said: “SUDS can of course reduce the risk of your home flooding, but they can also help others, as properties higher up that have these features installed will ease water flow to houses lower down.

“Plus water butts can be used to store water for garden usage and washing cars, which benefits the environment and helps to save money for those on a water meter.

“Raised planters help store flood water and reduce flows during wet weather. They can also be exciting to make, educational for children, attractive and encourage wildlife.”

Ms Steel has met with numerous community groups, including the North Yarmouth Resilience Group, and she will continue to discuss the implementation of the project with councillors and people living in the affected areas.

The project is part of an Interreg European Union programme known as FRAMES (Flood Resilient Areas by Multi-layEr Safety Approach) and will be completed by September 2019.

The scheme is open to those with properties on or near: Lords Lane and Long Lane in Bradwell, Leicester Road, Burgh Road and Beccles Road in Gorleston, and Northgate Street in Great Yarmouth.

For more information or to apply, contact Ms Steel on 07763509439 or michelle@floodforum.org.uk.