Funding secured for flood defence project in Severn Stoke
Work on the scheme is set to begin this Spring according to the MP
Last updated 22nd Jan 2026
A fully-funded flood defence scheme for Severn Stoke is set to begin this Spring following confirmation of financial backing from the government.
West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has campaigned for the project since severe flooding affected the area in 2012. She urged action from Flooding Minister Emma Hardy MP earlier this month after concerns were raised about potential delays due to a funding shortfall.
In response, Minister Hardy issued a Ministerial Direction to secure funding, and the Environment Agency has confirmed that they will now move forward with the scheme alongside Worcestershire County Council.
Announcement and plans
A letter from Emma Hardy MP was delivered yesterday confirming the funding. The Environment Agency plans to collaborate with Worcestershire County Council's highways team to raise the road and install flood defences.
Dame Harriett Baldwin said she was grateful for the intervention of Minister Hardy.
“I am delighted that the Environment Agency can now press on with the long-awaited flood defence scheme, and I am particularly grateful for the intervention of Minister Emma Hardy who has been following this matter closely, offering constant support to get this scheme underway," Baldwin said.
“This project has been a long time on the drawing board but it has planning permission, archaeological studies have been carried out, and some soil is already onsite.
“I plan to meet with Worcestershire County Council in the coming days to ensure that its contractors are able to work with the Environment Agency to get the work done quickly.”
Community involvement
The Environment Agency also confirmed that community discussions will be held next month to provide further details of the plan.
"We are pleased to confirm that funding has become available that will allow us to progress with a flood scheme at Severn Stoke," a spokesperson said.
"We are working closely with Worcestershire County Council on how this scheme will be delivered, and we will be speaking with the local community next month to go through the plan in more detail."
Baldwin added that after years of campaigning, she looked forward to the scheme being completed to protect homes, businesses, the historic church, and the A38 link road.
The project, which already has planning permission, archaeological studies, and on-site preparations underway, aims to shield the community from flood risks more effectively.