Blyth completes flood wall

The previous 180m flood wall in the Cowpen area of Blyth has been upgraded and extended to create a 380m wall. Funded by the Environment Agency, the wall was built by Port of Blyth as part of its wider redevelopment of the adjacent Bates and Wimbourne Quay terminals.

Alan Todd, director at the Port of Blyth, said: “We’re delighted that these works are now complete and offer immediate improvements to the flood defences for the town, its residents and businesses.

“We are now able to focus on further phases of the redevelopment which will see the Bates and Wimbourne Quay terminals become one terminal, offering increased opportunities for growth and significant inward investment.”

While the Environment Agency has advised on the specifications and design of the flood wall, the Port of Blyth will own and maintain the wall. The Environment Agency will carry out annual inspections of the new structures.

When taking climate change into account, these new defences will protect over 1,000 properties into the future while also offering immediate improved protection from tidal flooding to 58 properties.