Four flood risk schemes in Bedfordshire are among dozens across the East of England set to benefit from a £68 million government funding package to protect communities from flooding.
The projects, confirmed by the Environment Agency today (31 March), form part of the government’s £2.65 billion national investment in flood resilience, and are expected to protect more than 6,000 properties across the region this year.
Locally, four Bedfordshire area schemes have been identified for support:
- Turvey Sluice, which manages flood risk from the River Great Ouse
- Lavendon Flood Alleviation Scheme, targeting surface water flood risk
- River Ouzel Flood Risk Modelling, designed to improve forecasting and response to river flooding in this tributary of the River Great Ouse
- Pix Brook Catchment Flood Alleviation Scheme, which addresses surface water flooding risk across a wider area of Bedfordshire and North Hertfordshire, affecting local homes and infrastructure
Each project aims to reduce the risk of future flooding, protect residents and support long-term climate resilience across the borough.
Further details, including timelines and funding breakdowns for each scheme, are expected to follow.
Elsewhere in the region, £1.3 million will fund work on the Tail Sluice at the coastal end of the River Great Ouse as part of the Ely Ouse Flood Protection Scheme, which protects over 1,000 properties.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said: “Protecting communities in the East of England from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority.”
Floods Minister Emma Hardy added: “Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting schemes in the East of England, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs.”
While not every scheme on the national pipeline has received funding this year, the Environment Agency says it will continue working with councils and local groups to improve flood preparedness and resilience wherever possible.
