Kempsey flood risk management scheme
Updated 22 December 2015
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The village of Kempsey is about 3 miles south of Worcester. The Hatfield Brook runs through the village, as does the A38. The Hatfield Brook flows into the River Severn, which is to the west of the village. Up until 2008 Kempsey homes had been flooded 23 times in 30 years. The worst floods were in 2000 and 2007 when homes flooded 4 times.
In July 2007, 150 homes and businesses were flooded and the A38 was closed for 2 days, when the River Severn and surface water overwhelmed drainage systems which could not drain into the brook.
The Environment Agency worked with the local community to provide a permanent scheme to protect 70 properties from flooding.
The solution
The Kempsey flood scheme opened in July 2012 by resident Joy Oram and Harriett Baldwin MP. It comprises a 180 metre long earth embankment that reduces Kempsey’s risk of flooding from the River Severn when this is out of bank. The Hatfield Brook that flows through Kempsey into the River Severn goes through the embankment when a sluice gate is open. When River Severn levels are high the sluice gate closes to prevent Kempsey from flooding. When the sluice gate is shut the large pumps are designed to automatically remove water from the Hatfield Brook on the Kempsey side of the embankment, and pump it into the river side of the embankment.
Community engagement
Residents in Kempsey set up a flood action group in 2009. Since then they have played an active part in developing and delivering the flood alleviation scheme. They initially assisted with funding and subsequently made representations to the Midlands Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.
The Environment Agency continue to work closely with the residents of Kempsey.
Contact the Environment Agency by e-mailing SHWGenquries@environment-agency.gov.uk.