THE END of a long-running flood alleviation scheme has been celebrated.

Work at a number of sites in Bude, with particular emphasis on the much-valued Nanny Moore’s Bridge, has been undertaken by project contractors Kier on behalf of the Environment Agency.

The scheme sought to restore the flood protection granted by the defences, some of which date back to the 1950s, with an update in 1993.

With some parts of the scheme — which was constructed after flooding incidents during the 1950s and amended after a major fluvial flood in 1993 — declining in their condition, work was required to maintain the design standard they provided to protect residents and businesses alike.

Two parts of the scheme required attention in the latest tranche of flood alleviation efforts. First, was work on the earth flood embankment to the rear of Bude tourist information centre, which runs between the canal and Bencoolen Bridge. The other part of the scheme sought to repair and restore the masonry-faced embankment on Ergue-Gaberic Way between the Masonic Hall and Nanny Moore’s Bridge.

Work on the scheme began in 2022 with vegetation clearance timed to avoid bird nesting season, before construction began on the flood embankment behind the tourist information centre before moving to Ergue-Gaberic Way in 2023.

The project included a river restoration element that focuses on the River Neet upstream of Bude between Whalesbourough Weir and Pethericks Mill Nature Reserve.

The end of the scheme was celebrated with a coming together of Kier, Bude-Stratton town councillors and local residents in a community event which celebrated and enhanced nature.

At the event, those involved, alongside local school children, undertook the rather unique task of painting walls with yoghurt, with the aim of fostering the growth of bacteria and lichen to further help the nearby environment.

A spokesperson for Bude-Stratton Town Council said: “Bude-Stratton Town Councillors joined the celebrations for the completion of the Bude Flood Alleviation Scheme, an event led by Kier, the project contractors.

“Embracing community spirit, they participated alongside local school children in the unique task of painting walls with yoghurt to foster bacteria and lichen growth.”