Carlisle flood defence works to get under way

The first phase of the scheme, designed to avoid a repeat of the devastating floods caused by Storm Desmond, is set to be signed off by Carlisle Council next week.

The Environment Agency is proposing the works to protect large areas of the city from flooding; Storm Desmond in 2015 caused the rivers Caldew, Eden, and Petteril to overflow, damaging nearly 2,000 properties across Carlisle in the process.

The first phase of the works primarily covers a 19-acre area within Melbourne Park and at the entrance of Carlisle’s Tesco superstore.

Most of the works will be focussed within Melbourne Park, where embankments will be raised and extended to protect nearby properties.

There are also proposals to improve Botcherby Bridge, which will be delivered in partnership with the council. Upgrades to Durranhill storage basin are also proposed, along with improvements to footpaths and road entrances to the Tesco store.

This first phase is set to be approved by Carlisle’s development control committee later this week, which will allow works to get under way.

There are plans for a further three phases; one covering the Sands Centre, Bitts Park, and the bridge over the river Eden; another covering Willowhome, Maltings, and the river Caldew downstream of the A595; and a final phase following the Caldew upstream of the A595.