The Environment Agency (EA) has continued working throughout the coronavirus pandemic to repair flood defences damaged in the February floods, prioritising those communities most at risk of flooding.

The 3 named storms in February - Storm Ciara, Dennis and Jorge - caused extensive disruption and severe impacts with many areas flooded, including parts of the Midlands.

With ground already sodden from last autumn’s heavy rains and floods, the area quickly became flooded, with many rivers, including the Severn, reaching some of the highest levels ever seen or reaching levels not seen since 2000.

While homes and businesses were flooded, Environment Agency flood defences prevented the flooding being much worse by protecting 14,500 properties from flooding in the devastating February floods.

Work is now underway on a £7.5 million flood recovery programme of the repair of flood defences damaged in the February floods in the Environment Agency’s West Midlands area.

The programme includes £300,000 maintenance of the Severnside defences in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

The work, which will improve the standard of flood protection to 270 properties, includes resetting the block pavers that sit under the flood barriers to reduce seepage during a flood, following damage caused during the October and February floods. It also includes the resealing of the elements of the barrier that remain in place and the recladding of the floodwall.l

All work is being carried out whilst following government guidelines on social distancing and ensuring contractors are also following the correct procedures.

Richard Henderson, Asset Recovery Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

“During coronavirus we are continuing to maintain and operate our flood and coastal defences to ensure they protect people and property from flooding. We carry out regular checks, tests and repairs that ensure our defences can continue to reduce flood risk to homes and businesses.

“Repairing our flood defence assets in Bewdley will make a big difference to reducing flood risk to more than 270 properties.”

The sheer volume of water in the system in the February floods put pressure on many of the Agency’s flood defences. Since then, where possible, EA teams have been inspecting defences to check for any damage and the need for any repairs to ensure they are ready for any future floods. The Agency has also used drone footage to help with the process.

The repairs being carrying out in Bewdley will extend the life of the Severnside flood defences.

The Severnside Scheme protects properties on the town side of the river, and consists of concrete flood walls, demountable barriers and two pumping stations. The work is expected to be complete by the end of August.