Residents and businesses invited to Forge Mill Farm drop-in
The Environment Agency is holding a drop-in session to discuss proposals for the Perry Barr and Witton flood risk management scheme.
The drop-in will be held on Tuesday 2 December 2014 from 10am to 4pm at Forge Mill Farm Shop, Forge Lane, West Bromwich, B71 3SZ.
Environment Agency staff will be on hand to provide information about the proposals for the scheme.
The proposals include an increase in storage capacity at the existing Forge Mill flood storage area in Sandwell Valley. This will work in combination with localised low level wall construction and wall replacement through Witton. This is a change from the original recommendations within the Tame Strategy for the construction of 3m high walls through Witton.
The Environment Agency suggested changes after discovering ground conditions in the area are not suitable for construction, which would also result in an increase in cost to the scheme.
The design is at an early stage and the Environment Agency is currently discussing the impacts at Forge Mill with landowners and stakeholders. The drop-in session will offer an opportunity for the local community to comment on the proposals at Forge Mill and how the works may affect residents.
Rachel Kelly, Environment Agency Project Manager, commented:
We’d like residents and businesses to come along and talk to us about proposals for the flood storage scheme. Like all major rivers, the River Tame has a history of flooding. In June and July 2007, there was widespread flooding to areas along the River Tame – including areas of Perry Barr and Witton.
Our proposed designs will offer a reduction in flood risk to hundreds of properties along a 14km stretch of river, including the communities of Perry Barr and Witton. Our new design also offers excellent potential to deliver environmental improvements in the Sandwell Valley area at Forge Mill. This is a chance for local people to let us know what they think about the proposed designs and let us know any concerns they may have.
People unable to attend the drop-in session can still submit comments via:
witton.frms@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 07540 630938 to speak to the Public Liaison Officer. Or write to:
Perry Barr and Witton Flood Risk Management Scheme
Ncpms
Environment Agency
Sapphire East
550 Streetsbrook Road
Solihull
B91 1QT
More information on the scheme can be found on the Perry Barr and Witton flood risk management scheme webpage