THE next stage of the Environment Agency's scheme to build flood defences in Kendal is due to begin, closing a traffic lane and a pedestrian access through the common. 

The New Road section of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme was given planning consent last month. The flood wall will extend from Gooseholme Bridge to Miller Bridge along New Road. 

It will be finished in natural stone and it will have a pedestrian gate to access into the common, the agency says. The stonework finish will complement the wider flood scheme throughout Kendal, creating and maintaining a safe community green space with access for all, it is said. 

Riverside vegetation has been cleared, and street lighting and CCTV cabling within the New Road area has also been diverted in preparation for the work. 

Security fencing will be installed around the working area on New Road Common from October 7 and pedestrian access through New Road Common will be closed. A signposted diversion will be in place with access to Gooseholme bridge.

The Environment Agency is working with Westmorland and Furness Council on the traffic management plan which includes pedestrian diversions along New Road.

The riverside traffic lane will be closed during the construction of the new flood wall, and the remaining traffic lanes will remain unaffected. 

The Environment Agency will continue to keep the public up to date on scheme progress via the Kendal Flood Hub website Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme | The Flood Hub.

The New Road work forms part of the Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme which will better protect more than 1,920 homes and 2,250 local businesses from the impact of flooding, it is said. 

Richard Knight, a boss at the Environment Agency, said: "As well as better protecting homes, business and infrastructure from the impact of flooding, the flood defences at New Road the design will enhance the town.

"Starting work on New Road is a major milestone in our delivery of the flood risk management scheme for Kendal.

  “It is important to get the scheme built as quickly as possible to protect the homes and businesses in this area of Kendal.”

As well as the website, the EA also has an information hub at 2 Beezon Road which is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm.