Work on a £10 million flood alleviation scheme in Salford is now complete.

A new 28-acre flood basin has been developed within a meander loop of the River Irwell, helping to protect almost 2,000 homes/businesses from flooding by holding up to 650 million litres of water.

As well as working in tandem with the existing flood storage area at Littleton Road, more than five hectares of urban wetland has been developed to boost local wildlife populations. Other features include 2.5km of new footpath, improvements to a number of multi-use sports pitches as well as providing protection to more than 90 hectares of development land.

The development was officially opened on World Wetlands Day on Friday, 02 February.

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Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: "The £10 million Salford flood scheme will reduce flood risk to almost 2,000 homes and businesses. In addition, we have created more than 5 hectares of urban wetland, bringing attractive landscapes for people and wildlife.

"People in the area can also enjoy a new footpath around the site and links to existing footpaths that now provide a green route to and from the centre of Manchester. This excellent partnership project is a fine example of the multiple benefits our work brings to the local community."

Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "How fitting that on World Wetlands Day a new scheme in Salford is opening that will reduce flood risk to thousands of homes and businesses and deliver a lasting legacy for wildlife in this area with five hectares of new urban wetland habitat.

"I am pleased the government has been able to support this scheme as part of the £39.5 million we are investing in Greater Manchester by 2021."

The flood basin will be opened to the public once essential work to the path network has been completed. Dependent on dry weather conditions, this is scheduled for early Spring.

(LM)