Water company accused of dragging its feet over flood defence work (From Worcester News)

Water company accused of dragging its feet over flood defence work

5:30pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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WHILE work can begin on Pershore’s flood defence scheme, its success could be jeopardised by Severn Trent Water, it has been claimed.

At a Wychavon meeting last Thursday, the Environment Agency was given planning permission for a 3,000 cubic metre water storage area off Defford Road.

The scheme has been designed to protect 61 properties from river flooding and to offset the dangers of surface water run-off in times of heavy rainfall.

However, it was claimed at the meeting that Severn Trent was an important part of the overall scheme and that so far the company had been dragging its heels.

Wychavon engineer Martin Cross told the committee: “The effectiveness of this scheme unfortunately hinges on cooperation with Severn Trent. They don’t seem to have been as forthcoming as they should.”

Environment Agency project manager Hannah Rees confirmed that Severn Trent had withdrawn a pledge of funding for the bund scheme and said it had failed to be forthcoming with information about its surface water systems, such as drains.

Severn Trent is still required to contribute to the design and operation of a multi-agency flood plan to assist the bund, along with Wychavon District Council, Pershore Town Council and Worcestershire’s highways department.

A spokesman for Severn Trent this week confirmed that the company would fulfil its obligations.

He said: “Severn Trent Water is most definitely part of the multi-agency approach to combating flooding, and has already started to invest in improvements and extra protection at our Defford Road pumping station.

“Severn Trent fully supports the scheme’s aims, it has not held up progress and has worked with the Environment Agency and Wychavon District Council to resolve any difficulties. We do believe, however, that we have made responsible efforts to resolve any outstanding issues that could have had an impact on our customers.”