Work starts this week on installing flood resilience measures to properties in Shirley West and Blythe wards, benefitting up to 74 properties which experienced flooding in May 2018.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, has given the green light to the flood mitigation schemes and the Council has received final funding and technical approval from the Environment Agency.
In each area, affected residents have been offered the opportunity to have property flood resilience measures installed, such as domestic flood barriers, to help make their homes safer. Residents who are part of the schemes are currently working in partnership with flood risk specialists, Watertight, appointed by the Council to complete these works.
The Council is encouraging those homeowners involved in the scheme who haven’t returned necessary agreements to return them as soon as possible so they don’t miss out.
The works form part of the Council’s programme to undertake flood risk management schemes in areas of the borough that are at risk of flooding.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said:
“It is great news that we can now get on and install equipment to make the most severely affected homes more flood resistant. Our contractors are talking to those residents affected and work can start this week and will be completed over the coming weeks.
“Watertight are still waiting to receive signed agreements for some of the properties affected and I urge those residents who want the work done to return the agreements as soon as possible.
“We are still looking for more funding so we can help residents in other areas with a risk of flooding to make their homes more flood resistant.”