Shifnal flood alleviation scheme
Shropshire Council has secured funding for a potential scheme to reduce flood risk to properties in Shifnal.
The proposed £175,000 scheme was identified in the Shifnal Surface Water Management Plan, and will involve works to Priorslee Reservoir.
Priorslee Reservoir already helps to reduce flood risk, but this scheme will help to further reduce the flow of water into the Wesley Brook during heavy rainfall. This will result in a lower flood risk to a number of properties in the town.
Mal Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for flood and water management, said:
“I’m really pleased that we have been able to secure funding for this much-needed project. It will go a long way to ensure that properties are protected from future flooding.”
Stuart West, local Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford, said:
“This is really good news for Shifnal, especially to residents who live close to the Wesley Brook and have previously been flooded or close to being flooded. With the best will in the world it is impossible to control the weather. The past year has been a nightmare, with the fields and ground unable to absorb any more rainfall, and this ultimately ends up in the watercourse. To be in a position to further control water exiting from Priorslee balancing lake, and further control the level of the Wesley Brook during spate conditions, is a really exciting prospect. All in all, a superb piece of news for Shifnal to start 2013 off.”
Gordon Tonkinson, local Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal North, and chair of the Shifnal and Albrighton Flood Forum, said:
“I very much welcome this news as it’s something local people and councillors have been campaigning for. I’m sure this proposed scheme will come as a relief to many whose homes have previously been flooded.”
Funding for investigative work this year is already in place from Flood Defence Grant in Aid, with subsequent funding for construction in 2014. The scheme will build upon the partnership working that has already been taking place between Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water, and Telford and Wrekin Council.
