Work is due to begin on a new flood scheme for Appleby next week.
A pumping station will be built in Broad Close car park, which will better manage flooding from the Doomgate Culvert, the Environment Agency said.
The agency said the the scheme would offer better protection to 64 properties around High Wiend, Low Wiend and Bridge Street, along with Holme Street, Chapel Street and Doomgate as well as local infrastructure – including roads providing access to homes and businesses.
Contractors are due to start initial work on Monday, September 11 to divert water, gas and electricity. This work is expected to last between two and three weeks.
The scheme will take around 20 months and the agency estimates the car park will have to close for 17 months.
The Environment Agency said it was working with Oaklea Trust, owners of the former Edenside care home, to provide alternative parking. It has pledged alternate parking will be in place before the car park has to be closed.
The area has been identified as a suitable temporary car park following demolition of the existing building to provide parking for up to 43 standard and two disabled bays.
The option needs a planning application for change of use, and the agency said that had been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council.
An agency spokesman said: “The new scheme will improve the Doomgate Culvert flooding mechanism, which is the most frequent source of flooding for this area of the town.
“Over the period of the new pumping station’s lifespan, we estimate this scheme will save in the region of £21 million in damages caused by flooding as well as the distress and disruption experienced by business owners and residents who could experience future flooding.
“To safeguard both public and construction teams, it is necessary to have traffic management plans in place.
“To maintain traffic flow around Appleby, we will implement specific plans for different construction activities and minimise inconvenience where possible.”
