WORKS TO DELIVER flood defences in the village of Severn Stoke are progressing faster than anticipated, says West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin.
The MP spoke to the media at the site of the under-construction flood bund, which is now due to be completed in October, two months earlier than the initial estimate.
Dame Harriett successfully fought for Severn Stoke’s flood defences following a long campaign and several disappointing setbacks.
The flood bund represents protection for the village, but it will also protect the nearby A38, keeping the busy route open to traffic. The bund itself comprises of local soils relocated from another project at Upton-upon-Severn.
Dame Harriett said: “Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to construct this bund over the summer. It has been hot and dusty and inconvenient for some but the Environment Agency and contractors tell me the very dry conditions mean works are well ahead of schedule.
“The river valleys of the Severn, Avon and Teme have faced the risk of flooding for centuries and hopefully this is the year that Severn Stoke’s homes and business are safe and the village can join Upton-upon-Severn, Uckinghall, Kempsey, Pershore and Powick as a community facing lower flood risk.
“The bund will also provide protection to the nearby A38, which is often a key diversion when the M5 is closed.
“Individual property-level flood defences are also being installed in Tenbury Wells but I am determined to keep campaigning for a full, permanent scheme in Tenbury Wells.”