The Environment Agency is progressing construction work on the £32 million flood scheme for Perry Barr and Witton, near Birmingham - the scheme will reduce flood risk for 1,400 properties currently at risk of flooding from the River Tame, including 950 homes.

The Agency has carried out a sod-cutting ceremony to mark progression into the main construction of the second phase of the flood defence scheme, which has been developed in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

Costing just over £32 million, the scheme is part of the Environment Agency’s programme of £2.6 billion investment into flood defences across the country. The scheme was made possible through funding contributions from Birmingham City Council, Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Arts Council and crowd-funding.

The second phase of the scheme will provide the necessary additional flood storage needed during a major flood, such as that experienced in 2007. The storage will be at Forge Mill in Sandwell Valley, which is upstream of Perry Barr and Witton, and will control the flow of flood water downstream. The main aspects of this phase include the building of the new embankment, installation of the river outlet and temporarily re-diverting the river.

The first phase of the scheme was completed in spring 2017 - final completion is due in spring 2020.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

“With funding coming from the government, local councils, the Arts Council and crowd funders, this project is a great example of how by working together, we can help protect our communities and improve our environment.”