WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has welcomed the news that clay from nearby Upton Marina is now being recycled to form part of the brand-new flood defences down the road in Severn Stoke.
Soil from the Southern Link Road improvement project is already onsite at the new flood defence construction site and now clay extracted from the marina extension is being recycled at a site two and a half miles away.
The clay from the marina will significantly reduce the cost of the new flood bund, will reduce the carbon footprint of the construction work and will unlock more space at the marina for new floating holiday homes to boost local tourism.
Dame Harriett met with Upton Marina director Steve Arber to hear his plans to extend his site and enable the construction of the Severn Stoke bund with local clay.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that the construction work at Severn Stoke remains on track and the work is expected to be completed before Christmas.
Dame Harriett commented: “It was great to get the Severn Stoke fully funded and the work underway but I’ve always been keen to support any efforts to use local materials to construct the bund.
“Several years ago, we secured material from the Southern Link Road and it was moved onsite. Fortunately, the project was given the green light earlier this year so we’ll be able to benefit from a huge amount of recycled soil reducing costs and reducing the impact on the environment.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the construction progress and walking on a new flood bund very soon.”