Community support for water management and resilience ambition
The launch of Severn Together will see local people travel the length of the River Severn from Llanidloes to Bridgnorth this September
The Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) and Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) have welcomed growing community support for a shared vision of a stronger, more prosperous and resilient region.
The launch of Severn Together, a community-led initiative bringing together residents and community groups from across Powys and Shropshire, demonstrates the growing momentum behind efforts to secure long-term investment in the region and the communities, businesses and landscapes it supports.
The campaign will see local people travel the length of the River Severn from Llanidloes to Bridgnorth this September, bringing together communities from across Wales and England to share their experiences, celebrate the importance of the river and make the case for a thriving future for the Severn Valley.
Speaking on behalf of the MFP, Shropshire Council deputy leader, Alex Wagner said:-
“We are delighted to see communities supporting this activity which reflects our shared desire to see greater investment in the region and a long-term approach to unlocking its economic, environmental and community potential.
“At the heart of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme and the Marches Forward Partnership is a simple idea: by working together across Wales and England we can create the conditions for communities, businesses and the natural environment to thrive.
“Better management of one of the UK’s most important river catchments can support investment, strengthen local economies, improve connectivity between communities and help make this a more attractive place to live, work and do business.”
Alex added:-
“The timing of this event is particularly welcome as the Marches Forward Partnership prepares to take this message directly to decision-makers in both Cardiff Bay and Westminster.
“We will be engaging with Members of the Senedd on 30 September and with UK Government on 19 October to make the case for long-term investment in the region. Being able to demonstrate strong support from communities, businesses and local organisations adds real weight to that conversation and shows that this is an ambition shared across the region.”
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a long-term partnership programme being developed across England and Wales to support sustainable economic growth, improve water security, enhance the natural environment and help communities adapt to future challenges.
As a flagship programme within the MFP, it forms part of a wider ambition to position the region as a leader in rural productivity, environmental innovation and green growth.
The Severn Together journey will begin in Llanidloes on 1 September and finish in Bridgnorth on 6 September, with events taking place in communities across Powys and Shropshire.
