Work starts on Rugeley flood scheme protecting homes and businesses

Representatives from the  Environment Agency, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Staffordshire County Council andCannock Chase District Council have visited Rugeley to see the start of work on a £3.8 million flood risk management scheme.

The Rugeley Flood Risk Management Scheme will help to reduce the risk of flooding from Rising Brook for  114 residential properties and 159 commercial properties.  It also forms an integral part of Cannock Chase council’s plans to regenerate parts of the town centre.

The work involves constructing an embankment on the Hagley playing fields to hold water from Rising Brook during a flood.  As well as helping to reduce the risk of flooding for residents and businesses, the scheme also includes improving habitat, restoring heritage features and reconnecting footpaths and improving accessibility. This should help create a better place where local people can reconnect with their environment and wildlife can thrive.

James Bevan, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said: “We’re proud to work on the Rugeley flood scheme. It will provide stronger protection for Rugeley’s people and more than 250 properties in the town as well as improving green spaces and habitats for wildlife. Our role is to protect people, wildlife and to support sustainable development, which means helping to encourage and promote growth. This collaboration is a great example of that.”

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP chairman David Frost CBE said: “Safeguarding homes and businesses from flooding will play an important part in helping Rugeley’s town centre to thrive.

“This scheme means businesses will have a firm foundation for future expansion plans, without having to worry that their hard work will literally be washed away. It will also help to attract inward investment, creating new jobs and revitalising the town centre.”

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council said “We are delighted that the work has started on the flood risk management scheme.  It was good to visit the site and meet partner agencies involved.

“These essential works are an important step for future town centre regeneration for the Council and will not only improve the town centre, but will also create new jobs in the area.”

The work is due to be completed in June 2017, dependent on the weather. The scheme has been developed in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Cannock Chase District Council. It is funded by the Environment Agency, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Trent Flood and Coastal Committee.

The Environment Agency will be hosting a public drop-in on 14 December at Rugeley Leisure Centre between 4pm-7pm for the public to find out more about the work.

Knowing your flood risk is the first step to protecting your family and property.  People can check their risk and register to receive free flood warnings by visiting here https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.