Steve Howard
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The final steps for Wydon WaterThe final steps took place recently in the preparations for the opening of Wydon Water, a crucial part of the Hexham flood defence scheme.
Wydon Water, which used to be known as Wydon Burn Reservoir, officially becomes operational on April 4, and will operate as a new flood water storage reservoir. However this is not just a flood storage reservoir since the “Water” will also be used as a fishing lake, with 20 fishing platforms for both able and disabled anglers, waterside footpaths, a dipping platform, wetland and other environmental features.
The latest step has been to demolish the temporary wall separating the Wydon Water storage reservoir from the Burn, so that it can now gradually fill to a level to allow the fishery and wetland to function; the removal of the wall will more importantly allow flood waters to enter the reservoir during flood events.
Nigel Darling, the Environment Agency’s engineer for the Hexham Flood Alleviation scheme, said: “It was a great feeling watching them knock through the wall, seeing water finally enter Wydon Water as the culmination of this £8 million scheme came to fruition.
“Wydon Water is a key part of the Hexham scheme ,once the reservoir has filled to its fishery level and the trees start growing it, will be a unique amenity slap bang in the heart of the community, not only for anglers but also for families to take a walk or have a picnic.
“In the summer we plan to stock the Water with coarse fish and also hope to hold an open day and invite residents to come along and have a look around.”
The £8 million Hexham Flood Alleviation scheme is part of the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk reduction programme, which will see a total of £138 million invested in the protection of town and cities from flooding over the next 5 years across the North East operational region.
The Hexham scheme is designed to protect the town from a 1 in 200 year flood level or flood with a 0.5% chance of happening in any given year.
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