£5m flood defences for Severn Stoke finished ahead of schedule, protecting homes and the A38

A village on the River Severn that has repeatedly been cut off by floods has new defences in place before winter, after a £5m scheme finished ahead of schedule. The Severn Stoke Flood Scheme in Worcestershire, a few miles south of Worcester, was delivered by the Environment Agency and Worcestershire County Council, the agency has announced.

It is part of the government's record flood programme, and protects a stretch of the A38, one of the main routes between Birmingham, Worcester and the south-west.

What has been built

The works include a new flood bank running to the west of the village, new drainage to manage surface water, and a raised section of road where it crosses the flood bank. Landscaping, tree planting, habitat creation and fencing will be finished over the coming months.

Severn Stoke has a long history of flooding from the River Severn, and the community has been badly affected during recent winters. Eighteen properties, the parish church, the local pub and the A38 have all been flooded during significant events.

The Environment Agency funded about £5m of the delivery costs, with Worcestershire County Council contributing a further £250,000. The contractor was Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd.

"Added reassurance"

Charlie Chandler, an area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Across the country, the government is investing at least £10.5 billion up until 2036 into new and existing flood defence that will benefit nearly 900,000 properties. As part of this, we are delighted to have delivered the Severn Stoke scheme ahead of schedule, helping to reduce flood risk for residents, businesses and visitors."

Councillor Josh Robinson, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for environment and communities, said: "Residents in Severn Stoke know better than most the disruption and worry that flooding can bring. That's why it's great to see this flood alleviation scheme operational ahead of winter, helping to protect homes, businesses and vital transport links."

"Most importantly, it will give local people added reassurance and confidence as we head into the months when flood risk is often at its highest," he added.

Open for Remembrance

The agency confirmed that the village war memorial is accessible this weekend for Remembrance gatherings.

Be flood ready this winter

Birmingham sits on the River Tame, the River Rea and many smaller brooks, and parts of the city are also at risk of flooding, especially from heavy rain overwhelming drains. Winter is when the risk is usually highest.

The Environment Agency has launched a "one stop shop" for flooding guidance and is urging people to sign up for free flood warnings, which are sent by phone, text or email when rivers are expected to rise. You can check your flood risk and register on GOV.UK. Simple steps, such as knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water and keeping important documents somewhere high and dry, can make a real difference if water does come.

With Severn Stoke's defences now in place before the wettest months, one more community on the river can face the winter with a little less worry.