Preston flood scheme completes primary school SuDS projects

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School. Environment Agency.

Children at three local primary schools have new educational and playground equipment, thanks to the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme (P&SR FRMS).

The scheme used Department for Education funding to deliver a trio of SuDS schemes, worth tens-of-thousands-of-pounds, announced through UK government publication on 132 Marcvh, 2025.

SuDS means ‘Sustainable Drainage System’. They help reduce flood risk by temporarily storing rainwater during storms and reducing the flow and reducing surface water run-off.

The beneficiaries are:

• Frenchwood Community Primary School, Preston
• St. Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School, Penwortham
• St. Leonard’s Primary School, Walton-le-Dale
• St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School. Environment Agency.

St. Leonard's Primary School. Environment Agency.

The exciting, bright environment includes items such as living roof gazebos; potting tables; planters; trees; play equipment; and even a stage.

Headteacher at St. Leonard’s CoE Primary School, Kay Proctor, said:

"We are extremely delighted with the work that has taken place. The equipment provided is excellent, the new play area will be a huge asset to our school. It will greatly enhance the learning experiences of the children giving them an exciting, bright environment to explore and develop in, whilst at the same time helping to reduce the risk of flooding."

A number of other community benefits are being delivered by the Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme. These include planting more than 8,000 trees on the riverbank and Fishwick Bottoms and the creation of a small, insect-friendly wetland at Ribble Sidings. Last year, the re-landscaped Broadgate Gardens were reopened.

Frenchwood Community Primary School. Environment Agency.

Construction of the P&SR FRMS began in 2022 and, when complete, thousands of properties will be better protected from flooding between Broadgate and Walton-le-Dale. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

For more information, visit the Scheme’s page on the Flood Hub

This article was issued via press release as 'Primary school SuDS schemes finished by the Preston flood scheme' dated 13 March, 2025.

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