The Environment Agency has completed the third phase of work to raise the banks of the Ouse Washes Flood Storage Reservoir.

This project involves raising the Middle Level Barrier Bank (MLBB) and part of the South Level Barrier Bank (SLBB) to maintain the level of protection provided to more than 2,000 properties and 67,000ha of agricultural land.

Beginning in 2017, the project has taken place each summer since with work scheduled in 2020 and a final phase in 2020 to establish the new grass cover.

This year's work started in July and, in order to minimise the impact on the environment on and around the Washes, had to be completed by 31 October.

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The detailed design work continued through the winter period 2018-19. The evolving design and material inconsistency on site has resulted in a change to the intended bank profile, increasing the footprint of the Middle Level Barrier Bank and the need to import more material.

This additional work, along with periods of wet weather, has resulted in the construction programme being extended.

Claire Jouvray, Environment Agency Operations Manager for the Great Ouse catchment, said: "We've had a really challenging year this year with road works impacting deliveries and the wet weather in September and October stopping work on the bank.

"Thanks to partners, our contractors, neighbours and local authorities we have been able to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We'd like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during this complex programme of work which will take longer than predicted at the outset.

"We will be holding public drop in events in the new year to showcase the work we have done so far, to outline the revised timescale for this vital scheme and discuss our plans for the Welney Wash road temporary barrier."

(CM/JG)