Strong community interest at first emerging plan information session
Councillor Tom Dainty, Pete Lambert, SVWMS demonstrator programme manager, with demonstrator delivery team members Rosie Morrant and Jenna Shaw from Shropshire Wildlife Trust
The Severn Valley Water Management Team was pleased to host people from Melverley and the surrounding areas who attended the first information session on the emerging plan.
Tens of people braved the cold and wet to call in at the Village Hall on Tuesday to find out more about the emerging plan and what the data and science is showing.
The Melverley session marked the launch of a comprehensive consultation process designed to ensure that local opinion and experiences are shared to support the emerging water management strategy.
Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, attended the event. He said:-
“It was fantastic to see so many members of the public, and particularly the farming and landowning community, at the Melverley session.
“Their interest, questions, and willingness to engage are absolutely vital to the success of this project. The knowledge and experience they bring will help to shape a strategy that not only addresses flood risk but also supports the future of local agriculture and rural livelihoods.
“We are committed to working alongside farmers and landowners to develop solutions that are practical, sensitive to local needs, and deliver real benefits for the whole community.
“I would really urge people to attend the community information sessions if they can, and to look at the emerging plan online too. ”
Eight more information sessions are planned. At each event, the SVWM team provides opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest data and proposals, ask questions, and share their views. Feedback gathered during these sessions will directly inform the development of the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation later in 2026.
The sessions are:
- 11 January 2026 – Bettws
Bettws Village Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS - 13 January 2026 – Welshpool
Town Hall, 42 Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JQ - 20 January 2026 – Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT - 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 both at events and online, as well as in local libraries and leisure centres in Powys and Shropshire. All interested parties are encouraged to participate, ensuring that the final strategy reflects the needs and priorities of the community.
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.
