£30m flood scheme gets underway

A £30m scheme for Burton-on-Trent has been launched by the Environment Agency.

The project will reduce flood risk for 5,500 properties currently facing possible flooding from the River Trent, including 4,500 homes and 1,000 businesses.

The project, which is funded by the Government with some Local Levy support, is part of the Environment Agency’s £2.6bn investment programme into flood defences across the country, which will see an additional 300,000 homes better protected from 2015 to 2021.

The upcoming works will see improvements to parts of the 9km of existing flood walls and embankments. This will include creating deeper foundations and other adjustments.

The upgraded defences will reduce flood risk to 394 sq km of commercial land which sits behind the defence, in turn helping to safeguard 12,460 jobs in Burton.

The Environment Agency is also working with East Staffordshire Borough Council and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on improvements for visitors and the environment within the Washlands, the large area of floodplain between the river and the town. This will include creating new wildlife habitats in the form of wetland areas and ponds, as well as installation of new lighting along the boardwalks and a new children’s play area.

Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “Today marks an exciting day for Burton. This £30m project will not only reduce flood risk to over 5,500 homes and businesses but will also boost the local economy by protecting thousands of jobs for decades to come.

“We’ve all seen the devastating impact flooding can have on communities in recent weeks and that’s why we are continuing to invest £2.6 billion to better protect homes across the country.”
The project is due to complete by spring 2021.