Questions remain as £1.3 million Much Wenlock flood prevention scheme backed
Councillors have backed a £1.3 million scheme to prevent Much Wenlock from suffering from future floods - but with reservations.
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 has been secured but appeals have been launched for grant funding to cover the rest of the costs.
Sharon Clayton, clerk to Much Wenlock Town Council, said although the council had supported the installation of the two attenuation ponds, it still had concerns about the project.
She said: "We're concerned about the size of the attenuation areas compared to national guidance and the risks when either area overtops or fails.
"Will the attenuation areas relieve the pressure on the escape area at The Pound? How can this be made safer?
"The council also wants to know what can be done about the undersized culvert and the 'nuisance' associated with the work undertaken over the last decade."
Mrs Clayton said the council believed the scheme presented risks because the pools would be based in a rapid response catchment area.
"Reservoirs are a problem because of dam failure," she said.
"These areas are mostly below ground level with only limited banks.
"How will the attenuation areas be maintained and who will be responsible?
"These attenuation areas are the first option in the Integrated Urban Drainage Management Plan.
"It is estimated they only reduce risk by 41 per cent, so the council would like to know how the risk could be reduced further."
Building work would include a new hedge line and fencing for safety, while the ponds would be mainly hidden from view.
A flood alert and monitoring system to give residents an automatic warning when the town was at risk from rising river waters was also installed on yesterday (mon).
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.
Shropshire Council will decide whether to approve the plans tomorrow.
