THE OFFICIAL opening of Bewdley’s £10million flood risk management scheme for Beales Corner will take place today (Friday).
The scheme, which has now been completed by the Environment Agency (EA), will deliver a major upgrade to the town’s flood defences, benefiting 50 properties and maintaining access to businesses for decades to come.
The opening ceremony in Bridge Gardens will be undertaken by Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and will mark the completion of the 300-metre flood defence system which runs from Pleasant Harbour House to Millside Court.
It includes flood walls, gates and demountable barriers, similar to the system at Severnside.
When flooding is predicted, trained Environment Agency teams will close flood gates and put up the demountable barriers to prevent floodwater from the Severn entering the area.
Key roads in the town will remain dry at times of flood, helping to maintain access to schools.
Prior to the scheme temporary barriers were used but they consisted of 2,000 individual parts and took up to 12 hours to fully install.
The new permanent demountable defences provide a more sustainable long-term solution for the community.
The project has successfully balanced modern flood protection with preservation of Bewdley’s unique heritage character, including the Grade I listed Bewdley Bridge and the town’s conservation area.
Glass panels fitted atop sections of the flood wall will ensure there are uninterrupted views of the town whilst providing essential protection.
Bewdley has experienced repeated flooding in recent years, affecting homes, businesses and key transport routes including the Kidderminster and Stourport Roads.
The completion of the scheme marks a significant milestone for the town.
Anthony Perry, the Environment Agency’s West Midlands operations manager, said everyone was thrilled the much-needed flood risk management scheme was now complete.
“Environment Agency flood risk teams have worked closely with residents in the town for decades.
“This new scheme will improve the lives for many people in the town and it is comforting to know that future generations won’t have to live with the negative flood impacts those in the past have suffered.”
Coun Chris Rogers, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for housing, health and wellbeing, also has responsibility for water management.
He said:“It is fantastic to see this important scheme completed, which means residents and businesses in Wribbenhall will enjoy a similar level of protection to Bewdley.”
He added the council was pleased to support the EA scheme throughout, including granting planning permission.
“We are grateful to local businesses and residents for their understanding during the disruption to traffic flows during the works.”
Mr Garnier said: “A huge amount of effort has gone into getting this done.
“The result? That both sides of the Severn in Bewdley will be protected from flooding, causing less disruption for our town.”
The scheme has also included tree planting at Limekiln Bridge to increase biodiversity and increase wildlife habitats and there have been surface water drainage improvements.
Beales Corner has suffered serious floods, including in 2020, 2021 and 2022 where homes and businesses were flooded.
