Horwich Old Station Park flood alleviation scheme will retain trees

A £1.8m scheme got underway in Old Station Park to create a flood based to protect 200 homes in Horwich and deal with the Pearl Brook overflow.

The work initially included removing several trees in order to form the embankment.

This caused objections from local residents who said the trees were an integral part of the community nature as well as a natural defence against the flood.

Work at Old Station Park (Image: Cllr Marie Brady)

Cllr Brady said: “A couple of weeks ago I was on Old Station Park to look at the Flood Alleviation Scheme.

“I had a very interesting update on the changes made, how it all works and progress being made.

“Changes have been made to the original basin design, meaning all the mature trees in the photos below now will remain in place.

“The concrete structures housing the weirs to divert excess flow and return it, are finished and will be clad in stone.”

The channels for the drainage pipes are complete, with drainage pipes in place to receive flow from Pearl Brook and collect ground water from the basin.

These drainage pipes will direct flow back to Pearl Brook at a controlled rate to prevent flooding downstream.

Work at Old Station Park (Image: Cllr Marie Brady)

The basin will be surrounded by a footpath at the top of the shallow graded banks.

It will have a grass surface with level open access into the basin except when Purl Brook is running high.

A gate, controlled by the water level, will rise and fall to close off the entrance to the basin until the extensive subsurface drainage collection system has drained down.

The design will allow a complete drain down from maximum depth of the basin within 12 hours, leaving the surface dry and ready to be used.

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The scheme is on programme and will be complete by Christmas.