'Small but important' flooding interventions and highways improvements made across Central Bedfordshire
Flooding interventions and highways improvements have been made across Central Bedfordshire thanks to Government funding.
Funding of £148,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has enabled the introduction of flood mitigation technology in 12 locations across Central Bedfordshire.
Sensors that detect surface water and automatically trigger warning signs or lights have been installed in Caddington, Leighton Buzzard and Maulden.
Manual hinged barriers or signs deployed to safely close roads during flood events have been installed in Caddington, Stewartby and Sandy.
Meanwhile upgrades to existing automated pump sites, which have real-time monitoring to remove surface water from underpasses and low points, have been implemented in Silsoe, Cranfield, Campton, Arlesey and Stotfold.
A range of improvements have also been made at ten locations across Central Bedfordshire aimed at improving access for pedestrians.
In Dunstable, Sandy, Upper Caldecote, Everton, Langford and Sutton improvements have included resetting granite sets and installing bollards.
Surface and drainage improvements have been made in Totternhoe while in Woburn verges have been sided out to re-establish the full width of the footway.
Patching has been taking place in Dunstable, Linslade and Henlow to improve access, while in Henlow there has also been the replacement of drainage channels, and the renewal of double yellow lines.
Chair of the council’s partnership group Tracey Wye said: “These small but important interventions are making our town centres safer and more accessible for all, while new smart flood‑management technology is helping to reduce disruption during severe weather.
“By investing in smart systems, upgraded pumps and clear flood‑closure measures, we’re ensuring residents and road users receive faster warnings, safer travel routes and a more resilient highway network.”