On Friday 3 February 2012 MP Sarah Newton will inspect the progress made on the Truro flood alleviation scheme which began on 9 January 2012.
Lighterage Quay forms part of Truro’s Tidal Defences and needs refurbishing because the sheet piles are corroded and nearing the end of their life. The new quay wall will reinforce the existing flood defences for the city and provide a foundation to protect Truro into the future.
The work will cost just under £3 million and is jointly funded by Cornwall Council (£0.75m) and the Environment Agency. When completed in early summer 2012 , the scheme will continue to protect 31 residential and 181 commercial properties in Truro which are at risk from flooding and secure Truro as a working port long into the future.
At Lighterage Quay the Environment Agency is building a new steel pile quay wall in front of the existing wall, and building a new capping beam to tie the new wall into the existing quay.
The Environment Agency will also be raising low spots along the flood bank in Boscawen Park to bring it back up to the level it was when first built about 15 years ago.
Work has already been completed by the Environment Agency to refurbish the tidal gates to ensure that they are in good condition and able to operate efficiently until their major refurbishment in 2020.
The site visit presents an opportunity for invitees to see progress on site and ask questions about the scheme, which was started in January 2012. If representatives from the media would like to attend, they should be at Lighterage Quay at 2pm next Friday (February 3).
Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Gordon Trapmore, said: ‘The centre of Truro is at risk of flooding both from the high tides and heavy rain. This scheme will ensure that we continue to provide protection for Truro, but is also capable of being adapted in the future to deal with the effects of climate change and maintain people’s quality of life.
‘We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause but hope people will agree that the long term benefit to Truro will make the disruption worthwhile.’
Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton said: ‘The flooding was very bad and had a terrible effect on the businesses and homes in this area. It is essential that this important work is carried out so that we can try to avoid the worst effects of extreme high tides which we might have in the future. It is good to see the work progressing and I look forward to its completion.’
Councillor Julian German, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Historic Environment, said: ‘This represents the culmination of five years work between the Environment Agency and Cornwall Council through the Harbours Board. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved by joint working which allows for improved flood defences for Truro and the updating of an asset to the port which enables coastal shipping to continue to use the ports facilities.’
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