£1.3 million Much Wenlock flood prevention scheme launched
A £1.3 million scheme has been launched to prevent Much Wenlock suffering from further floods.
The project will see two special ponds built to collect surface water running into the town.
The two ponds would sit near Stretton Road and upstream near the caravan park at Shylte Brook.
The scheme is a joint venture between Much Wenlock Flood Alleviation Group, Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency.
So far £500,000 of funding has been secured but appeals have been launched for grant funding to cover the rest of the costs.
Paul Weeden, chairman of the flooding group, said: "The issue with the town is flash flooding, when heavy rain and storms come in quickly.
"Everything just pours off the roof tops and guttering, and into the river.
"Over the years the natural ponds have been drained, which used to slow the flow of water.
"The town used to be surrounded by grass, so the water could be absorbed into the ground.
"But with all the new developments most no longer exist, which is why these ponds are so important.
"Any new buildings that are put up in the town need to have some way of reducing the flow of water into the river.
"We also encourage householders to installed rain barrels or anything that would help reduce the run-off of water."
The work by contractors Mouchel, on behalf of Shropshire Council, also hopes to see more invertebrates, vertebrates and vegetation encouraged in the area.
Building work will include a new hedge line and fencing for safety, while the ponds will be mainly hidden from view.
A flood alert and monitoring system to give residents an automatic warning when the town is at risk from rising river waters was also installed on Monday.
The project was a joint effort between the flood group, Much Wenlock Town Council, Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency and Hydro-Logic Services LLP.
Further equipment to monitor rainfall and flows elsewhere in the catchment area will be bought in the near future.
Mr Weeden said: "A big study was carried in 2010 to look into the flooding issues affecting Much Wenlock.
"Shropshire Council has led the way to secure the funding and the Environment Agency has already committed £500,000.
"We have a bid in with Government for the rest of the money.
"These new pond will not get rid of the flooding problems in Wenlock but they will reduce the risk.
"Wenlock was at risk of flooding once in eight years, which has now reduced to once in every 30 years.
"However, the target is once in every 100 years so we are still a considerable way below the ideal number, but at least we're heading on the right direction."
Shropshire Council will decide whether to approve the plans before June 12.
