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HomeNewsVBA successfully complete flood risk management works along River Irwell

VBA successfully complete flood risk management works along River Irwell

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The VBA joint venture of VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and Atkins has successfully completed essential flood defence work along the River Irwell in Stubbins and Ramsbottom.

Ramsottom flood defence opening ceremony

This nine month project saw VBA install 300m of sheet piling and a 45m concrete flood wall along the riverbank as well as divert local utility services and local footpaths. The successful completion of this project means that more than 164 homes and businesses are protected from the risk of flooding from River Irwell.

An official opening ceremony took place on Thursday (November 13), at Stubbins Memorial Gardens to mark the completion of the scheme and to celebrate the success of all involved. A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the event and local residents were given a guided walk of the new flood defences and invited to the site office to view displays depicting how the scheme has developed since the area was struck by flooding in 2012.

Rossendale Borough Council Leader, Alyson Barnes, added: “Flood defence work is so important to our residents and businesses. We, as a council, have prioritised this work since the dreadful flooding of 2012. We have been working closely with the county council, United Utilities and the Environment Agency, and our efforts are now paying off with record levels of investment coming into the borough.”

Throughout this project the team has continued to work closely with local residents to minimise disruption and ensure successful delivery of the project as well as established a local supply chain to procure materials locally.

Environment Agency flood risk manager, Mark Garratt, said: “We are delighted that the Stubbins flood defences are now complete. This project has been driven by the community and we were pleased by the amount of local residents and businesses who came along to mark this special occasion.”

Considerate Contractors

With the community being at the heart of this project, the VBA team received a ‘performance beyond compliance certificate’ from the Considerate Constructors Scheme. They received this for their commitment to minimising disruption for local people and for going out of their way to be considerate. This included reinstating residents’ gardens and bringing one resident’s garden up to full ‘Disability Discrimination Act’ requirements.

Water and Environment Management Framework

The scheme is part of the Environment Agency's Water and Environment Management Framework in Lot 4 Asset Delivery, of which VBA is one of six Asset Delivery Partners. The framework focuses on reducing the risk of river and coastal flooding, as well as securing social and environmental improvements across England and Wales.

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