Mepal Parish Council

Environment Agency – Ouse Washes Update January 2023

Middle Level Barrier Bank 

During the autumn reservoir inspection, engineers identified cracks in the embankment between Welney and the A142 Mepal, following the prolonged period of hot, dry weather. 

The reservoir bank remains in operation as normal although the EA do need to carry out repairs as soon as possible. They will be installing equipment in the areas of the cracking over the coming days to monitor them. Operatives will also be carrying out weekly surveys during the winter months. 

The EA contractor, Jackson Civil Engineering, has started work between Welney and railway bridge. This work will be dependent on weather and flood conditions. There will be an occasional lorry delivery of materials to the access at Welney using the haul road where an excavator will load the materials onto a tracked dumper or similar for transport along the haul road. 

The EA have liaised with Natural England and RSPB before going ahead with this work. 

Public footpath 

The Middle Level Barrier Bank will remain open. Please continue to be careful when accessing and walking on the bank and stay away from the patches of grass that haven’t grown fully yet. The EA will continue to monitor the bank and grass growth. 

Please contact our Public Liaison Officers, Monica Stonham or Yazmin Parry at   or on 07534 457348 for more information. 

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