- Construction will start next year, design to be complete by the end of this calendar year
- The work will include environmental enhancements in the area.
The Environment Agency is advancing plans to deliver a permanent flood prevention scheme for Severn Stoke in Worcestershire.
The scheme’s 1.8 million flood mitigation embankment scheme will protect 18 homes and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding. It includes the Grade II listed 14th Century St Denys Church, 500-year-old Rose and Crown pub and village hall.
The scheme, which was developed in partnership by Worcester County Council and Malvern Hills District Council will also protect the A38 nearby, preventing any disruption to the busy trunk highway.
The River Severn has caused significant flooding in the community of Severn Stoke, most notably in 2007 and 2012, as well as February 2020.
The scheme’s design, which includes the construction an embankment around the village’s southern edge and raising a section Ham Lane from the village, will be completed by the close of this year. Construction will start in 2022. The Environment Agency is currently meeting the planning requirements for the work.
The work will also include environmental enhancements such as a tree replacement program increasing the diversity of tree species, incorporating a pollinator corridor on the dry side and placing bird boxes throughout the scheme area.
David Throup, Environment Agency Manager for Worcester said:
The Environment Agency is grateful for the support received from Worcestershire County Council as well as Malvern Hills District Council. This has enabled us to deliver the much-needed scheme for Severn Stoke.
Flooding can cause severe damage, which is why it is our top priority to protect people and communities.
Tony Miller, Cabinet Member, Councillor for the Environment, also added:
We were delighted to be able support the delivery of this program to a Worcestershire community that has been badly affected by flooding in recent decades.
Since its inception, we have been following the scheme closely and it is great to see that the preparations for the scheme’s launch are progressing well. I look forward seeing the scheme evolve and the benefits it will bring to Severn Stoke.
The Environment Agency offers flood warning services for Severn Stoke. For ongoing flood related questions or advice, please call the Floodline 24-hour service on 0345 98 1188. Sign up for flood warnings here https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
Protect yourself from flooding by knowing what to do ahead of time. Download and save a simple guide. Prepare, Act, SurvivePlan so you will know what to do in case of a flood warning.
The Environment Agency led flood schemes across the country. Since 2015, 314,000 homes have been protected better. Yet, the Environment Agency is delivering even more: The Government announced earlier this month a record 5.2Billion investment in flood defenses to create around 2,000 flood defences and better protect 336,000 homes by 2027.
Notes for editors
These top tips will ensure you are prepared for flooding this season.
- Make sure to have a bag with insurance and medical documents.
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Check out the latest flood information online https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
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How to turn off your electricity, gas, and water
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Make sure your insurance covers flood damage. It is your responsibility to insure your belongings if you rent your house.
- If you are in immediate danger, dial 999 and follow the advice of emergency services.
