Rossall and Anchorsholme flood risk management scheme
Published 1 March 2014
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2014
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1. Identifying the causes of flooding in Rossall and Anchorsholme
Both Rossall and Anchorsholme areas have a long history of sea flooding. The north west coastal area is susceptible during tidal surges when seawater overtops the aging defences and floods low lying properties in the area. Both areas are also at risk of sewerage flooding from the United Utilities sewer pumping station which forms part of the sea wall at Anchorsholme.
2. History of flooding
The most recent major flooding occurred in 1927 and 1977. 6 people died and 800 properties flooded after the sea defence was breached at Rossall in 1977. Storms and a major tidal surge battered the aging sea walls in December 2013.
3. Flood risk in Rossall and Anchorsholme
There are 10,510 properties at risk of flooding in Rossall and 3,700 properties in Anchorsholme. Roads and tramways are frequently flooded causing temporary road closures.
4. The solution: refurbish the sea wall
The Environment Agency is working with Blackpool Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council to replace 2km of existing sea wall and promenade to a level that reduces the current risk of sea flooding and the risk from predicted sea level rise.
The scheme will reduce the risk to over 14,000 homes and businesses and reduce flooding of local roads, tramway network, a major sewagerage pumping station and public utilities. The new sea defences will also provide an improved promenade and recreational areas.
Construction began in spring 2014. The Environment Agency is planning to complete the flood defence works in Anchorsholme by 2016 and in Rossall by 2018.
5. Cost of the scheme
The scheme will cost around £100 million.
6. Contacts
Contact the Environment Agency by emailing andy.shore@environment-agency.gov.uk or call Andy on 01772 714018.