Shropshire’s Great Outdoor Partnerships team support work to alleviate flooding

Shropshire’s Great Outdoor Partnerships team has worked with both the Environment Agency and Network Rail to help alleviate flooding near the railway track in Church Stretton.

Shropshire Council’s Outdoor Partnerships team provides advice and support to Church Stretton Town Council on management of Rectory Wood and Field and Coppice Leasowes Nature Reserve, which have both been affected by flooding caused by the diversion of the nearby Ash Brook to accommodate the railway.

The Environment Agency, Network Rail and the Outdoor Partnerships team sought to find a solution to the flooding problem and undertook a large-scale project to redivert the brook along a more natural course.

The area in Church Stretton. Photo: Environment Agency

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-

“This will have huge benefits to the ecology of the site and the infrastructure, as well as an excellent example of agencies working together to benefit the local community.”

Hilary Luff, a local Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, added:-

“It is wonderful to see the improvements to Leasowes, an area which is enjoyed by so many people in the community and visitors to the area.

“It goes to show what can be achieved when different organisations come together.”