Press release

Work starting on Selly Park South flood risk management scheme

Work is starting on the Environment Agency’s £2.4 million flood risk management scheme in Selly Park South.

The Environment Agency have worked in partnership with St Andrew’s Healthcare, Birmingham City Council and other organisations to develop the Selly Park Flood Risk Management Scheme to help reduce the risk of flooding.

The area of Selly Park South has a history of flooding from the River Rea, most notably in 2008 when some residents were forced to move out of their homes as a result of flood damage. This scheme will help protect more than 200 properties in the area.

The scheme includes plans to build an embankment on public open space, immediately upstream of Dogpool Lane bridge that will help hold water during extreme heavy rainfall events. Bank levels will also be raised downstream of the bridge to reduce the risk of flood water getting into properties.

Mike Adams, Environment Agency Flood Risk Adviser, said:

This is a fantastic milestone for us, our partners and the residents that we’ve been working so closely with. The terrible impacts of flooding have been felt by the community here and so it’s great that this scheme will go a long way to helping in the future.

Work is due to be finished by Spring 2017.

The Environment Agency is also continuing to develop the proposals for the Selly Park North and Selly Oak flood risk management scheme which secured planning permission in October 2016.

Knowing your flood risk is the first step to protecting your family and property. People can check their risk and register to receive free flood warnings by visiting the GOV.UK flood webpages or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Published 7 December 2016