Godmanchester’s £9.2million flood defence scheme was officially unveiled on Friday (February 28).

The Hunts Post: Environment Agency opening Godmanchester flood management works, (l-r) (l-r) Environment Agency Area Manager, Geoff Brighty, representing the residents of Godmanchester, Sandra Ferrelly, Chair of the Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, Steve Wheatley,Environment Agency opening Godmanchester flood management works, (l-r) (l-r) Environment Agency Area Manager, Geoff Brighty, representing the residents of Godmanchester, Sandra Ferrelly, Chair of the Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, Steve Wheatley, (Image: Archant)

Sandra Ferrelly, one of the residents who has had a wall built in her garden as part of the scheme, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the end of the work that will protect more than 550 homes and businesses in the town.

The scheme, which took about 19 months to complete, is designed to reduce the risk of flooding from a once in 20 year event to a one in a hundred year event, such as the 1947 flooding.

Geoff Brighty, area manager for the Environment Agency said: “Seeing this flood risk management scheme to completion is a great achievement for everyone involved, but particularly for the people of Godmanchester. We have had extreme weather across the country in the past two years, reminding us that many communities are vulnerable to flooding. Today we mark the moment when this historic town’s defences, that will protect people and property, lives and livelihoods for many years to come, were completed.”