WORK is due to start next month to create a flood storage pond on land to the rear of Sycamore Drive in Wythall.
North Worcestershire Water Management, on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, have been working since the devastating flooding in May 2018 to investigate measures to help reduce future flood risk.
Cabinet member for environmental services and community Safety, Coun Peter Whittaker, said: “These upcoming works are fantastic news for the local area, as they hopefully go some way to reducing the flood risk and chances of severe flooding, similar to those that occurred in 2018.”
The storage pond will hold approximately 1,000m3 of water and will build upon two smaller ponds created in the same area last year.
In addition, there will also be an introduction of a series of leaky wooden dams into the stream to help slow the flow of water, and to encourage the stream to spill into the adjacent ponds.
The works are due to commence on next Monday (November 11) and follow pre-commencement ecology and bat surveys on the site with one relatively large tree needing to be removed as part of the work.
It’s being undertaken by Bailey Civils Ltd, at a cost of approximately £36,000 and is being fully funded by the Regional Flood & Coastal Committee.
Due to the cooperation of the owners of private land, where the work is taking place, completion will see a modelled reduction in flood risk to 10 homes downstream.
Coun Adam Kent, who was ward councillor for Wythall at the time said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive confirmation this morning that a flood storage area at Sycamore has been approved.
“After the heavy rain recently many residents were cast back to 2018 and it’s brilliant see the data modelling and work from many parties has resulted in clear action to alleviate risk in this area.
“This is just part of a solution that I am working hard to deliver so we aren’t put into the terrible position we were in 2018.”
