The Environment Agency and Warwickshire County Council, along with Stratford-upon-Avon District Council are working in partnership to deliver a long term solution to the issues with the culvert which carries the Bell Brook through Snitterfield.
The project will significantly reduce the health and safety risk posed by the existing culvert as well as reducing the risk of river flooding along The Green.
The Bell Brook is culverted for 410 metres and passes directly underneath residential property in Snitterfield. The culvert is owned by 30 riparian owners, including Warwickshire County Council, commercial developers and home owners. It is in poor condition, with defects including undermined side walls, displaced bricks and a distorted soffit.
In January 2015 part of the culvert collapsed, causing a large hole in a resident’s garden, increasing concern for both flood risk and the safety of the local community.
The Environment Agency carried out emergency works to remove debris and temporarily stabilise the structure. Since then the Environment Agency has been monitoring the culvert with regular site visits and CCTV surveys.
The Environment Agency managed to secure funding for emergency works which will deliver longer term improvements. The complexity of the site meant that the only viable solution was to bypass the culvert and make the existing culvert safe. The cost of the scheme is £2.7million.
The Agency said that contractors North Midland Construction, who began work in June, have made progress - the works are due to be completed by March 2017.
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