BEWDLEY’S £10million flood risk management scheme was officially opened last Friday, bringing to an end two years of disruption.
The opening ceremony in Bridge Gardens was undertaken by Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and marked the completion of the 300-metre flood defence system which runs from Pleasant Harbour House to Millside Court.
The major upgrade by the Environment Agency – which includes flood walls, gates and demountable barriers and is similar to the system at Severnside – will benefit 50 properties in the surrounding area and is set to maintain access to businesses for decades to come.
MP Mark Garnier unveils the plaque. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3825001MMR4
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, successfully balancing modern flood protection with the preservation of Bewdley’s unique heritage character. This includes the Grade I listed Bewdley Bridge and the town’s conservation area.
MP Mark Garnier, Mayor Coun. Nicole Harper and Anthony Perry. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3825001MMR5
Glass panels fitted atop sections of the flood wall ensure uninterrupted views of the town whilst providing essential protection.
Bewdley has experienced repeated flooding in recent years.
Beales Corner has suffered serious floods, including in 2020, 2021 and 2022, where homes and businesses were flooded – they will now be protected, along with key transport routes, including the Kidderminster and Stourport Roads.
Mr Garnier said it was fantastic news.
“It’s been a lot of work in terms of getting everything lined up before the construction work began.
“There was £11million spent on the western bank to protect 260 properties and this on the eastern bank was costing £10million to protect 50 properties so it was a bit expensive per property.”
And he praised former environment minister Rebecca Pow and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for their.
“I brought Boris down to show him the site and he vowed to ‘Get Bewdley done and Rebecca ensured we stayed high on the list of priority when it came to flood defences.
“It has been a difficult two years for Bewdley – full of disruption, particularly for the hospitality industry.”
Picture by Marcus Mingins. s
He said there had been complications and difficulties getting businesses flood compensation as the two years’ revenue they had to compare the last two years to was during Covid so incomes and profits had been lower than usual.
“But, we’ve got there and hopefully now we’ll be clear of all that annoyance and Bewdley can crack on.”
