Tenbury Wells flood project starts, consultation open

• Environment Agency to build new flood defences to protect homes and businesses in Tenbury Wells
• Consultation on the preferred scheme to get under way shortly
• Government funding is allowing the Environment Agency to progress the scheme

A much needed flood defence scheme for Tenbury Wells is finally about to get under way after the government announced funding for the scheme in July.

The Environment Agency will soon start consulting with locals about the scheme that will see a mix of new flood walls and embankments to help 120 residential and 145 commercial properties be more resilient to climate change.

Tenbury Wells lies within the flood plain of the River Teme and Kyre Brook. Tenbury has suffered from extensive flooding to large parts of the town on a number of occasions, most recently in November 2019 and in February 2020, when levels were just below those which occurred in 2007.

After the recent February floods, the Government committed an additional £4.9 million towards a scheme for Tenbury. This funding has allowed the Environment Agency to progress plans for the Tenbury Wells project.

Dave Edwards, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Team Leader, said:

We’re delighted we can provide a flood scheme for the residents and businesses of Tenbury Wells, especially after the devastating floods they have experienced over recent years. We looked at all possible options and are grateful for the government funding that finally allowed us to move forward.

As the Environment Agency had already completed initial assessments and drawn up plans for the project, public consultation can start straightaway.

The consultation will start later this month, although discussions are still ongoing about whether consultation events can be done safely due the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

At a minimum residents will be able to submit their comments and will receive information through newsletters and latest updates via @EnvAgencyMids.

The proposed Tenbury Wells flood defence scheme that we are consulting the public on, will involve the construction of embankments and flood walls,

Ground investigation and site survey work will take place from November 2020 and we aim to start construction by early 2022.

Even though initial work on the scheme is starting soon it is as important as ever that everyone knows if their property or business is currently at risk of flooding and it is a simple and quick process to find out.

To check if your property, business, or place of work is now within the new warning area, visit GOV.UK or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also email your local flood resilience team at floodresilience@environment-agency.gov.uk where someone will be happy to assist you.

More information can be found on GOV.UK or call our Floodline on 0345 988 11 88.