A VILLAGE flood defence scheme has been put on hold until next spring because of costs while some of the bund material already on site may not be suitable for the work.  

Meanwhile, a public drop-in meeting has been organised to discuss the progress of the flood bund in Severn Stoke which, when finished, would protect 18 homes.

The West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin spoke of her dismay at the delay to the project which will mean residents and businesses go another winter without protection from river flooding.

Worcester News: FLOODED: Severn Stoke residents are no stranger to flooding hence the urgency for a flood alleviation bund to protect homes and businesses FLOODED: Severn Stoke residents are no stranger to flooding hence the urgency for a flood alleviation bund to protect homes and businesses (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We can confirm that earth works on the Severn Stoke Flood scheme have been put on hold until the Spring of 2024.

“This is because we have not been able to agree an affordable price with a contractor yet. However, we want to re-assure residents that we are exploring all options to deliver the scheme."

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There will be a community drop in on Friday, October 13 between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at St Deny’s Church to answer residents questions.

An EA spokesperson said: “We continue to deliver on other elements of the scheme, including installation of further site fencing and tree clearance.”

The scheme is being developed in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council.

When completed the flood alleviation scheme will better protect 18 homes and businesses, including the 14th Century St Deny’s Church, the 500-year-old Rose and Crown public house and the village hall. As well as this it will provide better protection to the nearby A38, preventing disruption to this busy strategic highway.

The Environment Agency will continue to import material to the site in advance of construction, and in the next few months expects to have delivered to site further 16,000m3 of suitable material.

AN EA spokesperson said: "This material will be tested to ensure it is free from contamination and is suitable for use in the construction of the embankment.

"There is already around 13,000m3 of material already stockpiled in two locations in Severn Stoke.

"Most of this material is suitable for use in the construction of the embankment, however, a small proportion of this material is not suitable for use in the embankment, as it was imported specifically for the construction of a haul road and this material will be removed from site on completion of the works."