New study into Much Wenlock flooding problems

A study into the flooding issues that affect the town of Much Wenlock is now
well underway.

In its new role as lead local flood authority, Shropshire Council has been working closely with its strategic partners, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water Ltd, and liaising with both Much Wenlock Town Council and the Much Wenlock Flood Action Group.

The aim of the work is to provide a plan that will accurately reflect the flooding issues on the ground and suggest the best ways to reduce their impact. The shortlisting process for preferred options will include an appraisal of costs, to ensure the most cost effective solutions are considered.

Work undertaken to date has included the level and CCTV surveys of watercourses, culverts, drains and sewers, as well as the use of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey.

The LiDAR survey results, provided by the Environment Agency, involved flying a plane over the area and collating a large amount of height data using a laser. The results of all of the surveys were then pulled together and a computer model of the catchment was built. The model is being used to check the suitability of different options to reduce the risk of flooding in the town.

The town council and members of the Flood Action Group have been consulted to check the accuracy of the data collection and modelling, and this local community knowledge has played an important role in developing the model.

The Integrated Urban Drainage Management Plan will also help Shropshire Council in its planning role, as the results will be used when considering the suitability of planning applications in the area.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport
and IT, said:

“The local community welcomes the work undertaken by Shropshire Council to better understand and manage the risk of flooding in Much Wenlock. The complexity of the issues has been recognised, as have the risks. Once the planning is complete, the relevant agencies will need to continue their successful relationships in order to implement the best options.”

Milner Whiteman, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said:

“Following the initial work done by the Flood Action Group I welcome the work undertaken by Shropshire Council to better understand the risk of flooding in Much Wenlock. The complexity of the issues has been recognised but the risks still exist, three and a half years after the last flood. The local community urges all the relevant agencies to act as quickly as possible to implement the best options.”