5-May-2006 - Construction
is about to start on a £1.1million flood
defence scheme for the communities of Cowbridge
and Llanblethian. Environment Agency Wales say
that the scheme should be complete by the end
of October. It is designed to provide a measure
of protection for 153 residential and commercial
properties, considered to be at risk from a 1
in 100-year flood event.
The works will include the construction
of a new flood defence embankment on the flood
plain of the River Thaw, on the north side of
the A48 and upstream of the affected communities.
A flow control structure will divert flood flows
onto the natural floodplain and restrict the river
flow through Cowbridge and Llanblethian.
Scott Squires, Project Manager,
Environment Agency Wales says:
‘Our construction proposals
have been developed to minimise disruption to
residents and businesses in Cowbridge, with all
construction traffic accessing the site via the
A48 and the Aberthin Road. Some advance works
have already begun. We have undertaken an archaeological
investigation and have also undertaken some hedge
removal works to avoid disturbance to breeding
birds on the site.
The environmental impact of
the scheme has been carefully considered and we
will be putting many features into the works that
will have a positive effect on local wildlife.
We will create ponds and scrapes to attract water
birds and insects, in addition to planting new
trees and native wild flowers. We hope to attract
breeding Lapwing to the site by careful management
of the surrounding grassland.
The Environment Agency will
be issuing information leaflets, from time to
time, to keep people informed of the progress
of our works. These will be available at the community
council offices, the post office and the local
library.
