Work ends on £2m Much Wenlock flood defence plan

The Much Wenlock Flood Alleviation Scheme has seen two ponds built to catch and store water that could otherwise flood properties, businesses and roads in the town.

One pond is on the Sytche Brook to the north west of the town, and the other is on the Shylte Brook to the south west.

Much Wenlock has a long history of flooding. The Shylte Brook and its tributaries run through the centre of the town and are largely culverted, running underground.

When the narrow culverts become full, the excess floodwater flows over ground, affecting the town.

In 2007 about 64 properties reported flooding to Shropshire Council and an electricity substation was also affected, causing a power outage to a large part of the town.

The ponds, which will usually be empty, will fill during times of heavy rain.

The collected water will then be released in a controlled way so that flood risk downstream is reduced. The ponds will drain quickly enough that repeat rainfall can be stored in a similar manner.

They are now fully operational.

The scheme was supported by the Environment Agency and funded through the Severn & Wye Regional Flood Defence Committee by Flood Defence Grant in Aid, local developer contributions and Shropshire Council.

The scheme cost about £2 million and will reduce the flood risk to 171 properties. Work was carried out by Griffiths and began in October 2016, with the main excavations starting in November 2016.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m delighted that work on this important scheme has now been completed, and that dozens of homes and businesses in Much Wenlock are now at far less risk from flooding than they have been in the past.”

Councillor David Turner, ward member for Much Wenlock, said: “Having worked with local residents during flooding incidents in 2000 and 2007, I have a ready appreciation of the financial and emotional cost of flooded homes.

“I am very pleased that the good work of the Much Wenlock Flood Group over the past 10 years has resulted in this major project.”

Dave Edwards, Environment Agency spokesman, added: “We’ve been happy to work with our partner Shropshire Council on the Much Wenlock Flood Alleviation Scheme and it’s great to see the finished project protecting properties, businesses and roads in the town. We’ll continue to work closely with both the council and the community in the future.”

The scheme also included the restoration of Westwood Quarry SSSI on Stretton Road. The work was originally due to be completed in March 2017, but due to additional works and breeding Peregrine Falcons in Westwood Quarry, the scheme was put back until July 2017.

The completion of work will be marked with a celebration on November 10 at the Shylte Brook site.