New step in �120m Broads flood scheme
HUNDREDS of tonnes of earth are being moved alongside the River Bure in the latest phase of a project to protect The Broads from flooding.The banks of the river are currently being strengthened along the 16km stretch of the Bure between Great Yarmouth and Acle.
HUNDREDS of tonnes of earth are being moved alongside the River Bure in the latest phase of a project to protect The Broads from flooding.
The banks of the river are currently being strengthened along the 16km stretch of the Bure between Great Yarmouth and Acle.
This stage of the �120m Broadland Flood Alleviation Project is nearing completion, with work being carried out near the Stracey Arms.
New setback banks are being created along the south side of the river to protect the surrounding marshland, the A47 and the Yarmouth-Norwich railway line from flooding.
The improvements also have environmental benefits, establishing new reedbeds and improved wildlife habitats.
A population of common lizards alongside the river was captured and moved to safety before the work was carried out.
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The 20 year Environment Agency project started in 2001 and is being carried out by Broadland Environmental Services Limited.
BESL environment manager Jeremy Halls said: “The old bank is being taken down and replaced with reed edge.
“These set-back banks are the preferred solution where piling is coming to the end of its natural life.
“The footpath along the river will remain closed until vegetation is established on the bank.”
Improvements to river defences helped protect areas of The Broads from flooding during the tidal surge in November 2007.
There were only minor breaches, despite the highest recorded water levels in the Broadland river system since the east coast floods of 1953.
The Broads Authority is a partner in the scheme, which is covering around 240km of floodbanks along the rivers, Bure, Waveney and Yare.
Adrian Clarke, from the Broads Authority, said: “For the Broads Authority perspective the project is providing enhanced moorings, new slipways and access improvements and landscape and environmental improvements, such as the creation of reed beds.”
