CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on a new flood defence scheme in Severn Stoke reducing flood risk to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area.
The Environment Agency and Worcestershire County Council have announced that work will start in late April, and the scheme is expected to be complete by Christmas 2026.
£5million worth of funding is coming from the EA with Worcestershire County Council contributing a further £250,000.
Severn Stoke has a long history of flooding from the River Severn, with the community severely impacted during recent winters, 18 properties, the local church, the local pub and the A38 have all been affected during periods of significant flooding.
The scheme will consist of a flood bank that runs to the west of the village, new drainage works to manage surface water, and a section of raised road to where Ham Lane will pass over the flood bank.
Some imported fill material for the flood bank is already on site and further material will be imported in the coming months.
Charlie Chandler, Area Flood Risk Manager for the West Midlands at the Environment Agency, said: “Flooding has had devastating impacts on the community of Severn Stoke.
“While the communities’ resilience of residents at Severn Stoke has kept the village going, it is great to be able to deliver a scheme that will give local residents and businesses confidence and will make a real difference to everyday lives.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We’re pleased that progress is continuing at pace to finalise the Severn Stoke scheme.
“We understand the impact flooding has had on the community in recent years and how important it is for residents to see this scheme move forward.”
Dame Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, added: “After many years of campaigning, I am delighted to hear that a contractor is finally ready to go, the newts are cleared and work will start on the flood defence project at Severn Stoke shortly.
“Just before Christmas, this project was being cancelled by the Environment Agency but thanks to my swift action asking for the urgent intervention of the Flooding Minister, it is now back in the work plan and fully funded.
“We all hope for a period of good weather to allow the work to proceed swiftly and efficiently and I look forward to visiting the work in due course.”
