WORK on Kendal's multi-million-pound flood defence scheme is set to begin in a new area of the town centre.

The Environment Agency and contractors Volker Stevin are starting work in the Little Aynam area for the construction of new Kendal flood defences as part of the multi-phase Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS).

Construction work began on the project in February 2021 and is due to be completed in 2024.

The Flood Scheme Information Hub at Little Aynam will remain open to the public throughout the works on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am until 4.30pm. 

Setting up the site began on January 9 with pre-construction preparations taking place including service diversions and vegetation clearance. 

Mike Harper, Environment Agency project manager said: "Over the next few weeks, further construction works will begin in the Little Aynam area of Kendal to better protect homes and businesses from the effects of flooding.  

READ MORE: Application for changes to flood scheme submitted

"We appreciate that the works being undertaken will impact on local people, and we will do our very best to keep this to a minimum.

We will continue to keep the local community updated as the works progress. 

"The Kendal Flood Information Hub is open every Tuesday and Thursday on Little Aynam where the community are welcome to drop in between 10am until 4.30pm to find out more about the flood scheme and ask any questions."

The new flood defences in the Little Aynam area will consist of reinforced concrete walls which will be clad in locally sourced stone.

The flood defences will begin at Thorny Hills and will then follow the boundary of Gooseholme Park and the putting green.

When completed, the new flood defences will connect onto the new Gooseholme Bridge access ramps and to the rear of the Scout Hut, continuing to Miller Bridge. 

During construction, access to the new Gooseholme Bridge will remain open to the public. 

Traffic management and diversions will be in place, when required to allow the works to be safely carried out. 

Construction of the flood wall is expected to take six months. 

More information on the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme can be found on the flood hub website www.thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal/.