WORK on Kendal's £76 million flood defence project is continuing apace as the completion of a central riverside section has been completed.

The Environment Agency has announced the completion of planned work at Waterside Flats in Kendal in a statement released today (Monday, August 23):

"The Environment Agency and contractors VolkerStevin have completed work on flood defences at Waterside Flats in Kendal as part of the multi-million-pound Kendal flood risk management scheme. 

"When complete the scheme will improve flood protection to over 1,400 homes and 1,100 businesses.  

"The new flood defences are clad in natural, locally sourced stone with landscaping and planting around the defences will taking place in the Autumn. 

"A range of shrubs and plants will provide a diverse habitat for this valuable riverside location. 

"Elsewhere in Kendal, other works are underway, including the construction of a flood wall to provide increased flood protection to properties at Sand Aire House, Lambrigg Terrace and Melrose Place. 

READ MORE: Application for changes to flood scheme submitted

"In addition, preparations have begun for the construction of glass panel flood defences at Stramongate Bridge to Gooseholme Park and along Aynam Road and at Waterside. 

"The panels will allow the community to retain their view of the river.

"Work at Waterside Flats includes a new ramped access from the riverside to the residential properties as well as an improved riverside pathway.

"As with all work carried out to deliver the complex Kendal flood risk management scheme, we are working to minimise the impact on local people and will continue to keep the local community updated on the works as we progress with the next stages of construction."

 Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager, Stewart Mounsey said:

"The completion of the flood defences at Waterside Flats is a further milestone towards protecting more homes and businesses from flooding. 

"We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while this work was carried out.  

 "The Kendal flood scheme is complex, and we have our dedicated Information Hub open every Tuesday and Thursday between 10 am and 4.30 pm where the Environment Agency and contractors are on hand to answer any questions about the scheme."

 More information is also available on www.thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal or on Twitter @EnvAgencyNW.

READ MORE: Work to begin at two new locations as part of £76million flood scheme