21/01/2026 - Permalink

Partner news: Strong public engagement at Shrewsbury drop‑in as SVWMS consultation continues

Related topics: Climate change / environment / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Marches Forward Partnership / Partner organisations

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, with Shropshire Council deputy leader Alex Wagner at the SVWMS drop-in event at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) team welcomed a high number of visitors to its Shrewsbury drop‑in event at Theatre Severn on Tuesday, as residents, landowners, businesses, and community groups came together to learn more about the emerging plan for the Upper Severn catchment.

Attendees explored the latest data, modelling and proposals shaping the draft strategy, spoke directly with technical specialists, and shared their local knowledge and priorities.

Many took the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from natural flood management and temporary water storage to land management, climate resilience, and the likely next steps ahead of the draft strategy being published in 2026.

The event formed part of a series of nine community information sessions being held throughout January and February across the catchment, designed to ensure local voices are central to shaping the emerging plan.

Shropshire Council deputy leader Alex Wagner attended the Shrewsbury session and praised the enthusiastic response from the community.

He said: –

“It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at Theatre Severn. The level of enthusiasm, the thoughtful questions, and the breadth of issues people wanted to explore all demonstrate how important this work is to our communities.

“We heard from farmers, business owners, residents and young people, all bringing their own experience to the table. That diversity of insight is exactly what we need to ensure this strategy is grounded in real‑world priorities and reflects the needs of the whole catchment.”

The SVWMS team will be hosting five more drop‑ins for the emerging plan, each offering opportunities for people to review the evidence base, talk to project leads, and provide feedback that will directly inform the development of the draft strategy.

They are:

  • 28 January 2026 – Caersws
    Presbyterian Church, Main St, Caersws, SY17 5EN
  • 30 January 2026 – Minsterley
    Minsterley Parish Hall, Shrewsbury SY5 0EH
  • 4 February 2026 – Oswestry
    Oswestry Cricket Club, Morda Rd, Oswestry SY11 2AY
  • 9 February 2026 – Llanfyllin
    Llanfyllin Library Youth & Community Centre, Council Buildings, Llanfyllin, SY22 5DB
  • 12 February 2026 – Llanidloes
    Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel Street, Llanidloes, SY18 6BS

Each session runs from 2pm to 7pm. All are welcome to attend, share their perspectives, and help shape the future of water management in the Severn Valley.

Consultation materials are available at all events, online, and in local libraries and leisure centres in Powys and Shropshire, and everyone with an interest in the future of water management in the Upper Severn is encouraged to take part.

For more information, including consultation materials and feedback forms, visit: www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is

Enquiries can be directed to: SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk

About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.