Work to start on Severn Stoke flood defence scheme

2 hours ago

Tom EdwardsHereford & Worcester political reporter

News image — Severn Stoke has regularly suffered from flooding from the River Severn

Environment Agency An aerial shot of Severn Stoke at a time of flooding, showing properties partly submerged in water. — Severn Stoke has regularly suffered from flooding from the River Severn

Work will start this month on a long-awaited flood defence scheme in a Worcestershire village - with a road being raised and an embankment created.

The Environment Agency said the project in Severn Stoke should be finished by Christmas, and is aimed at protecting people from the "devastating" impact of flooding.

A special "flood bank" will run to the west of the village, and a section of the A38 will be raised at Ham Lane.

The £5.2m scheme will also see the drainage upgraded to better manage surface water.

Severn Stoke has a long history of flooding from the River Severn, affecting around 18 properties as well as the church and a pub.

The landlord of the Rose and Crown pub went viral in 2024 after he was filmed drinking a pint while sitting waist-high in flood water.

Planning permission for a flood defence scheme in Severn Stoke was secured in 2021 but residents have been angered by repeated delays, largely due to the cost.

Reuters/Carl Recine A sign partially submerged in Severn Stoke, from flooding after heavy rain from Storm Henk in 2024. — Severn Stoke is consistently one of the worst-hit areas in Worcestershire when river levels rise

'This will make a real difference to people's lives'

Charlie Chandler, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Flooding has had devastating impacts on the community of Severn Stoke."

He added that the "resilience of residents at Severn Stoke has kept the village going, it's 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 added: "We're pleased that progress is continuing at pace to finalise the 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."

The area's MP also said she was "delighted" the scheme was finally starting.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: "After many years of campaigning, I am delighted to hear a contractor is finally ready to go, the newts are cleared and work will start.

"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."

Alun Griffiths Construction has secured the contract to do the project, with some imported material already on-site.

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