£20m Sandwell flood defence project is unveiled

Environment Agency bosses have revealed proposals to reduce risks from flooding to some properties in Sandwell.

The £20 million plans also aim to protect Sandwell Valley and well-known working farm attraction, Forge Mill Farm, from damage.

Thousands of visitors a year visit the beauty spot and the farm near the RSPB lake which is neighbouring the River Tame.

Bosses at the agency have previously identified the need to have improved flood defences on the river around Great Barr and Perry Barr.

They claim around 1,408 properties - including 774 homes and 634 businesses – are at a potential risk of flooding.

Officials want to expand defences in the Sandwell Valley including earth embankments where water can easily run off in the wake of inclement conditions. They propose to design and construct these areas near the Forge Mill Farm.

Present embankments would be improved and river outlets will be created, under proposals.

There would also be improved flood wall defences constructed near the farm itself.

Officials say the designs are at an early stage and discussions are ongoing landowners and other groups. Original ideas at the start of the year involved putting in higher flood walls along the river but this has been deemed too expensive and disruptive for businesses.

Environment Agency project manager, Rachel Kelly, said: "Our previous design involving high walls is no longer possible as the ground conditions in the area were far worse than anticipated.

"As a result, the costs for the scheme would increase, making the scheme unaffordable.

"The new proposed design now includes localised low-level wall construction and wall replacement through Witton, combined with an increase in storage capacity at the existing Forge Mill flood storage area in Sandwell Valley."

The river rises in Willenhall and Oldbury and runs through Sandwell Valley, passing through Great Barr and Hamstead before going off to Perry Barr. The agency has evaluated that the River Tame has a one per cent – 1 in 100 – or greater chance of flooding each year.

She added: "If we gain the necessary funding, land owner agreements and planning approvals, this scheme will significantly increase the standard protection from river flooding, making communities much safer."

The proposed flood risk management scheme will cost more than £20m, and will be funded by Defra FCRM Grant in Aid, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Birmingham City Council and contributions from local businesses. in the area.