WINCHESTER is set to be better protected from flooding with the launch of a new scheme.

Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, today approved the start of the tendering process for the joint £895,000 initiative.

It is part funded by the county council (£250,000), city council (£290,000), Southampton University (£60,000) and the Environment Agency (£295,000).

The work will build a low wall that should stop the type of flooding that swamped the River Park area in 2000-01 and 2013-14.

The first flood in 2000-01 saw St Bede Primary School relocate for two years to Bereweeke Avenue.

Cllr Perry said: “This is a good example of a joined up approach by partners to help protect Winchester residents. This scheme will provide much needed relief and peace of mind in the St Bede’s and River Park areas of Winchester which saw the River Itchen flood in 2000/1 and in 2013/14, after prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.

“In addition to this scheme, we are also working closely in partnership with the Environment Agency and other local authorities to develop flood mitigation and alleviation schemes to protect communities in Romsey, the Buckskin area of Basingstoke, Bourne Valley and Farringdon after the winter of 2013/14 when Hampshire experienced the most significant rainfall for 250 years.”

In Winchester, a low wall with deployable flood barriers at openings will be built around North Walls/Park Avenue including St Bede School, School of Art, homes and businesses.

The wall will be constructed in a red brick to match existing municipal walls and will blend into the street scene - similar to the recently constructed flood defence wall in Water Lane.

However, the core and foundation of the new wall will be reinforced concrete, capable of resisting the calculated water pressures. Gaps for pedestrian and vehicle access will be filled with temporary flood gates when the area is at risk of flooding.

The scheme received positive feedback during a public consultation in 2015. Minor concerns about replanting of trees were addressed by explaining that there will be appropriate replanting after the works.

The flood defence project will go out to tender in the very near future with work planned to start in the summer, and finish at the end of the year.

It is anticipated that there will be minimal disruption from the works, although some footpath diversions may be required.