Severn Stoke flood scheme finishes ahead of schedule, cutting flood risk before winter
The scheme, a new flood bank west of the Worcestershire village with new drainage and a raised section of road, is fully operational months early, in a village where flooding has hit 18 properties, the church, the pub and the A38.
The flood defence scheme at Severn Stoke in Worcestershire has finished ahead of schedule and is fully operational before winter, the Environment Agency announced on 6 November. When construction began in April, the scheme was expected to be complete by Christmas 2026. It has instead been delivered in time for the months when the village's flood risk is at its highest.
The works, delivered by the Environment Agency and Worcestershire County Council working with contractors Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd, centre on a new flood bank running to the west of the village. They also include new drainage works to manage surface water and a raised section of road where Ham Lane crosses over the flood bank.
Funding came principally from the Environment Agency, which met delivery costs of approximately £5 million. Worcestershire County Council added a further £250,000. The scheme sits inside a national flood programme worth at least £10.5 billion between now and 2036, covering new defences and work on existing ones.
A scheme expected by Christmas is operational before winter: for a village that has flooded repeatedly, the timetable is the story as much as the bank itself.British Journal analysis
The need in Severn Stoke is well documented. Flooding from the River Severn is a recurring fact of life in the village, and recent winters have brought severe episodes. The places hit when significant flooding comes run to 18 properties, together with the church, the pub and the A38.
Charlie Chandler, the Area Flood Risk Manager for the West Midlands at the Environment Agency, said: “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.” Chandler also pointed to the national programme behind the local scheme, at least £10.5 billion of investment in flood defences running to 2036 and expected to benefit nearly 900,000 properties.
For the county council, Councillor Josh Robinson said: “Residents in Severn Stoke know better than most the disruption and worry that flooding can bring.” He added: “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.”
Some work around the scheme continues. The finishing touches are still to come, with landscaping, new planting, habitat work and fencing all due over the months ahead. The village war memorial will be accessible this weekend, 7 and 8 November, for the armistice gatherings.
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