£5.25 Million Severn Stoke Flood defence scheme becomes operational ahead of Winter

A £5.25 million flood defence scheme in Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, has been completed ahead of schedule, reducing winter flood risks for homes, businesses, and the vital A38 transport link along the River Severn

Fully operational prior to the high-risk winter months of 2026, the newly constructed flood defence infrastructure reduces flood risk for residential properties, local commercial establishments, historic community landmarks, and critical regional transport corridors in the West Midlands village of Severn Stoke.

Infrastructure engineering and partnered delivery

Delivered in partnership by the Environment Agency, Worcestershire County Council, and main contractor Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd, the scheme addresses severe recurring inundation from the River Severn, which has historically flooded 18 properties, the village church, the local pub, and the busy A38 arterial road.

Key engineering components of the completed scheme include:

• Flood embankment construction: A newly engineered flood bank extending along the western perimeter of the village to block rising waters from the River Severn.
• Surface water drainage infrastructure: Integrated drainage channels and pumping capacity designed to manage localised surface run-off during heavy rainfall events.
• Raised highway elevation: Raising a key section of the road infrastructure where it crosses over the flood embankment to ensure uninterrupted transport access during high-water events.
• Environmental mitigation: Ongoing site landscaping, extensive native tree planting, and localised habitat creation planned across the site over the coming months.

Strategic funding and national economic protection

The project forms part of the UK Government’s broader flood capital investment framework:

1. Local Investment Breakdown:

   • The Environment Agency provided approximately £5 million in primary delivery funding, supplemented by a £250,000 capital contribution from Worcestershire County Council.

2. National Flood Defence Strategy:

   • The scheme aligns with the government’s long-term commitment to invest a record £10.5 billion through 2036 into new and existing flood defences, aiming to safeguard nearly 900,000 properties across the United Kingdom.

3. Economic Resilience:

   • Protecting infrastructure like the A38 prevents regional transport disruption, avoids billions in potential flood damage, and supports long-term economic growth by securing land for local residential and commercial development.