A multi-million pound project to raise a floodbank which protects thousands of homes in the Fens has been completed.

Environment Agency engineers have spent six years working on a £40m package of improvements to the Middle Level Barrier Bank of the Ouse Washes at Welney.

Work on strengthening the structure, which protects more than 2,000 properties and 67,000ha of agricultural land, began in 2017.

Construction work by contractors Jackson Civil Engineering was carried out during summer and early autumn each year to avoid disturbing breeding and over-wintering birds on the washes, which are an internationally-important wetland.

Cambs Times: Work under way on raising the flood bank along the Ouse WashesWork under way on raising the flood bank along the Ouse Washes (Image: Jackson Civil Engineering)

The 30km long washes are designed to flood each winter to store excess water from the Great Ouse system, which might otherwise cause flooding further downstream.

This summer, work was carried out to enable the installation of a portable flood barrier outside Welney, which will be used to prevent water spilling from the washes into the village. Sandbags were previously used.

There will now be a further two years of maintenance at the site to establish grass cover. This is needed to ensure the stability of the newly raised bank.

Nicola Oldfield, project executive for the Environment Agency, said: “This has been a vital long-term investment and refurbishment programme.

“We know the impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our priority.

Cambs Times: Environment Agency staff train with Jackson Civil Engineering to put the demountable barrier upEnvironment Agency staff train with Jackson Civil Engineering to put the demountable barrier up (Image: Environment Agency)

“The results of this work will help to protect thousands of homes and businesses in the area for years to come.

“Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by going to www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.” 

The Ouse Washes cover an area of approximately 1,900ha. When full, it stores approximately 90,000,000 cubic metres of water above the surrounding land - enough water to fill Wembley Stadium 22 times.

Water is gradually released via rivers between tides each spring.