Work starts on flood defence scheme
12.06.10
Construction has started on a £15m flood defence scheme in West Sussex to protect Crawley and Gatwick Airport. In addition to the airport, more than 1300 homes and businesses will see their flood risk significantly reduced, the Environment Agency said.
The Upper Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme will increase storage capacity for floodwater by raising the level of the dam at Tilgate Lake. New flood storage areas are planned at three river sites. During and after heavy rain, these storage areas will hold large amounts of water that will slowly be released back into the rivers. The scheme is scheduled for completion by 2013.
The Agency said floods hit the area several times recently, causing serious problems in 1968 and 2000. A spokesman said: ‘Flooding is very destructive and could force the closure of Gatwick and major disruption to the whole region. It is vital we do everything we can to reduce the impacts.’
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport's chief executive, said: ‘In 2000, the A23 under the airport's South Terminal was closed because of torrential rain. The scheme will dramatically reduce the risk of that happening again.’
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