Work begins to reduce flooding risk in Laxey

A scheme has begun to reduce flooding risk at the river in Laxey this week.

Work has begun on a new 'debris catcher' at the river in Glen Roy, designed to stop the build up of blockages downstream nearer to the town.

The initiative from the Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities nine timber posts constructed in two staggered rows to stop trees and branches to stop the debris further up and away from local properties.

The system is being based west of the wooden bridge at the Glen Gardens - Garff Commissioners have already stated the footpaths in that area will remain open.

It comes after a report from independent consultants, ARUP, into the devastating Laxey floods in October last year which damaged around 60 properties in the area.

The report found the considerable build up of trees at the MER weir to be ‘potentially the most significiant factor’ in the October floods.

ARUP says the debris catcher scheme will mitigate this risk and forms part of a raft of flood alleviation proposals for Laxey drawn up by Manx Utilities.