Major flood alleviation scheme launches
Work on a multi-million pound scheme to reduce the flood risk to more than 150 homes and businesses in Selly Park North is now ready and operational.
The scheme, funded by an innovative public-private partnership with a £2m financial contribution from Calthorpe Estates, protects 150 homes and helps to protect key highway routes and infrastructure during times of flood, maintaining vital transport and emergency routes in an area that was affected by flooding in 2008, 2016 and more recently in May 2018.
The work involved deepening and widening an existing flood water storage area near the Bourn Brook Walkway on Harborne Lane. This has increased the capacity of the storage area and offers wildlife habitat.
The major part of the works is a 2.4 metre diameter 227 metre long bypass culvert running underneath the Pershore Road. This tunnel will take water away from homes to flow into the river downstream.
This scheme is part of the Environment Agency’s programme to invest £2.6bn by 2021 protecting over 300,000 homes and businesses from the risk of flooding.
Jon Saner, from the Environment Agency, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local community and partners to help deliver this scheme, which will help protect homes and businesses from future flooding.
“This community has experienced the terrible effects of flooding and the measures we’ve built here reduce future risk. We would like to thank local people for their patience and support throughout the building of this scheme.”
This scheme was delivered by contractors commissioned by the Environment Agency, and compliments the scheme completed in January 2018 for Selly Park South.
The area of Selly Park has a history of flooding from the River Rea, the Bourn Brook and surface water. The Environment Agency has been working in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Calthorpe Estates and other organisations to develop schemes to help reduce the risk of flooding for properties in the Selly Park area.
