Flooding is a significant risk to homes and business properties in Mid Worcestershire, so I was pleased to hear the Chancellor announce a national six year programme of investment totalling £2.3 billion for flood and coastal risk management in the Autumn Statement.
The new programme for 2015-2021 will involve investing £370 million annually to protecting homes and businesses nationally, including the following major projects in Mid Worcestershire:
- Droitwich Spa, Elmbridge Brook - A project to identify options to reduce flood risk to 11 properties at Hunters Way Droitwich. Currently £176,000 has been allocated subject to a full options appraisal. Should a scheme be viable the earliest measures can be implemented is 2020. This scheme is to be led by the Environment Agency.
- Himbleton, Bow Brook - An individual property level protection scheme to reduce flood risk to 25 properties. Currently £199,000 has been allocated to this project. The earliest measures can be implemented is 2020. This scheme is to be led by the Environment Agency.
- Evesham, River Avon - A project to identify options to reduce flood risk for up to 112 properties. Currently £850,000 has been allocated to this project subject to a full options appraisal. Should a scheme be viable the earliest measures will start to be implemented is 2019. This scheme is to be led by the Environment Agency.
- Badsey Brook, Childswickham and Broadway - Flood alleviation scheme with a storage area upstream of Broadway. Currently £3,000,000 has been allocated to protect up to 250 properties. Construction is programmed for 2016 subject to securing contributions, consents and permissions. This scheme is to be led by the Environment Agency.
- Badsey Brook, Wickhamford - Feasibility work is to be undertaken to develop options to look at reducing flood risk, should a scheme be viable the earliest construction could start is 2018. Currently £750,000 has been allocated for this work. This scheme is to be led by the Environment Agency.
- Wick, River Avon - Funding has been secured to complete individual property level protection measures to 14 properties to protect from river and surface water flooding. £77,000 has been allocated and the project is expected to be completed 2016. This project is to be led by Wychavon District Council.