Morpeth scheme: reducing the risk of flooding
Updated 15 October 2014
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History of flooding
Morpeth, Northumberland sits in the floodplain of the River Wansbeck and has a long history of flooding. In 1963 melting snow led to significant flooding. After this, flood defences were built in parts of the town. During heavy rainfall in September 2008, over 1,000 homes and businesses were flooded from the River Wansbeck, the various burns, sewers and surface water.
About the flood scheme
The Environment Agency is working with Northumberland County Council to fund a £25 to 27 million scheme to reduce the risk of flooding in Morpeth.
The scheme will involve:
- creating an area upstream of the town which will ‘store’ water during heavy rainfall to reduce the amount of water coming down the river
- building new flood defences in the town and making improvements to some of the existing defences
- reducing the risk of flooding to the town from Church Burn, Cotting Burn and Postern Burn
The Environment Agency is also investigating ways to reduce surface water flooding.
When is this happening?
Work has already started in Morpeth. This has been followed by work on the upstream storage area through building a large dam on the Mitford Estate. The scheme is expected to be completed in winter 2014 depending on the weather.
During construction, Morpeth will continue to have the same standard of protection against flooding. The programme is being designed to minimise disruption to the local community and wildlife.
Who to contact for more information
There are a number of ways you can get in touch with us about the scheme:
You can make an appointment to visit the Morpeth flood scheme information centre by calling 01670 513 850.
35 Newgate Street
Morpeth
NE61 1AT