Climate change is a particular threat to the Fylde Coast, owing to rising sea levels and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. We are working with our partners on a number of flood protection schemes to protect homes and businesses in Wyre.
Flood protection Wyre Beach and Dune Management Scheme
A £42 million scheme to help raise and stabilise beaches from Cleveleys to Fleetwood. The scheme will protect over 11,000 properties and will commence this year.
Our Future Coast
We have successfully bid for £7.2 million of funding to develop coastal resilience through the creation of natural buffer strips around the coast. Interventions such as developing salt marsh, creating dune systems and intertidal lagoons and reclaiming redundant brownfield sites will help to mitigate the consequences of climate change including flood risk and the loss of biodiversity.
Wyre Natural Flood Management Scheme
We are supporting this project led by Wyre River’s Trust to reduce rapid runoff during heavy rainfall reducing the flood risk to Scorton, Garstang, Churchtown, St Michaels and Great Eccleston. We have also been working with the Rivers Trust on smaller scale interventions in the downstream catchment including flood storage areas in Thornton Cleveleys at White Carr Lane, Stanah and a development at King Georges playing fields, which will reduce flood risk and provide carbon and biodiversity benefits.
Wyre’s Flood Forum
We are continuing to build community resilience through the Wyre flood forum which is one of the longest established flood forums in the country. The forum consists of 11 community flood action groups (FLAGs), Wyre councillors and officers, Lancashire County Council, The Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Rivers Trust and local residents. Together they work to identify and resolve flooding issues. The forum has resolved several long-term flooding problems and provides communities with support during flood events. We also coordinate drainage works with other authorities. The Making Space for Water group, a partnership of technical officers from key agencies, is currently undertaking significant improvement works in Hambleton, Thornton and Preesall in response to recent flooding. Residents are encouraged to report any drainage issues to Wyre Council and these will be raised with the relevant authority.
Please email engineering@wyre.gov.uk or contact your local FLAG.
Wyre Rivers Trust
We are working together with Wyre Rivers Trust to reduce flood risk, improve access and create habitat at King Georges Playing Fields in Thornton Cleveleys. The playing fields are often wet and hold little value for wildlife. By restoring Royles Brook which runs through the site and creating areas of wetland and woodland, we hope to create a dynamic park for people and wildlife to enjoy. Read more here.
See Flooding for further information about the flood forum, plus ways you can protect your home and ways to prepare for flooding.