The River Severn Partnership aims to harness the river to transform the local economy by creating an environmentally resilient course for people to enjoy and live around without the threat of annual flooding.
As local residents are all-too-aware-of, the river Severn has suffered from significant and recurring flooding as recently as February, as well as water resource challenges to support agriculture and other sectors, both of which will be exacerbated under changes to our climate. In Ironbridge, this caused major damage and disruption that
The Partnership is clear that it believes a comprehensive approach to water and environmental management is fundamental for the future of homes and businesses the Severn basin.
The River Severn Partnership intends to create a series of interventions that reduce flood risk for Ironbridge to just once a century. This includes allowing for a predicted, worst case scenario of climate change induced increase in average river level of 0.85m. The Partnership's aim is to complete this work by 2027.
Lucy Allan MP said:
"The River Severn Partnership is playing a key role in managing our long-term response to flooding and the local environment.
I have seen first-hand the impact of flooding on my constituents' livelihoods and it is encouraging to see that a well thought out plan is now being advanced to manage the River Severn.
This will allow Ironbridge residents and businesses to rest assured that the River will not pose the same regular threat to their property that they have had to grow accustomed to.
Additionally, the benefits of the Partnership's plan include the protection of our environment and responsible land use, which will see more sustainable development along the River's course.
I am very grateful to Ministers for listening to the local MPs and taking action."
Picture, above: Flooding in Ironbridge in Februrary 2020
You can read the River Severn Partnership's plan in full below:
