School children spruce up local flood scheme

Around 30 pupils from Millfield LEAD Academy planted a tree along the scheme in the Osiers Nature Area, putting the finishing touch to the scheme which completed construction earlier this year.

The trees were donated to the school, which backs onto the scheme, by the Woodland Trust as part of its 50 year anniversary celebrations.

Rebecca Sharpe, from the Environment Agency, said:

“We were delighted that the school approached us and offered to plant the trees along the scheme. Not only has it enhanced the environment but it has given us the opportunity to talk to the children about the work we do and why the flood alleviation scheme was built.”

Peter Wood, Head teacher from Millfield LEAD Academy, said:

“The school places great importance on its role in the community and its interaction with the environment. We were delighted to give the children an opportunity to take part in the planting event and it is an excellent way to kick off our celebrations commemorating the 50th year since the school opened in 1964.”

Councillor Clements, portfolio holder for Corporate Service, Performance and Leisure at Blaby District Council, said:

“The involvement of local school children with this scheme is a great example of partnership working in the district. A number of properties will now benefit from the work carried out by the Environment Agency and it’s great to see young people getting involved with the site.”

Following repeated flood events which affected properties on Lubbesthorpe Road, the Environment Agency has worked with local residents and partner organisations to address the issue, and construction of the scheme began in June 2013.

It has involved widening and realigning the course of the Lubbesthorpe Brook by moving the existing brook out of residents’ back gardens on Lubbesthorpe Road and into the Osiers Nature Area. To reduce water levels and the risk of blockages, a new culvert was also constructed under Watergate Lane.

The scheme has reduced the risk of flooding to 50 properties and now offers protection from flooding to a 1 in 100 chance of occurring in any given year.

Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk