Church Stretton flood issues could be caused by sewers 'being overwhelmed'

At a recent town council meeting, Councillor Andy Munro, the Mayor of Church Stretton, said that Phil Mark, Severn Trent’s community flooding officer for Shropshire, was taken to the areas where there are flooding issues.

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The main area, said Cllr Munro, is from Swains Meadow to Clive Avenue, which are either side of the A49.

“We explained how a lot of the problems arise because of the excessive debris that comes down from the hills,” said Cllr Munro.

“There is an awful lot of surface water run-off. He [Mr Mark] confirmed to me that, in that part of town, we have a combined sewer.

“So, the sewage and the surface water both enter the sewerage, and that is what often causes a lot of the problems.

“As it comes funnelling down in Clive Avenue and further along to the A49, it just overwhelms the sewers that are there. So in some ways, we have a better understanding than what we had before.”

Cllr Munro added that a sewer that runs alongside the A49 towards Ludlow was also identified, which the council was unaware of.

“The question we’re now left with and need to follow up is, what happens next?” said Cllr Munro, adding that the cost of renewing the sewer in Essex Road is just over £4 million.

Severn Trent confirmed that, while there’s no specific investment taking place, it is working closely with the local community and other agencies to play its part in reducing the flood risk in the area.

“Flooding in this area is complex and requires a collaborative approach due to the different agencies involved due to the impact of heavy rain and surface water,” said a spokesperson.

“Our community flooding officers are present in the community, and inputting to the local flood action plan, as well as investigating any reports of flooding to check the Severn Trent network for any issues. We know flooding can be distressing, so the local community can be assured we’re working with others to minimise its risk.”