£2m Rugeley flood defence scheme work to start in autumn

The multi-million pound scheme involves building a 1,082 ft long and nine ft high embankment along Western Springs Road to safeguard properties.

The Environment Agency is keen to get the work off the ground as it estimates that a severe flood could cause £6 million worth of damage in the town.

This is on top of severe transport disruption due to the closure of the A51 and the bus and fire stations being put at risk because of their location.

However, this new scheme would immediately remove 114 existing homes and 159 commercial properties from flood risk, according to the agency.

It is estimated to cost around £2m, with £750,000 secured through the Local Growth Fund and the remainder from the Environment Agency.

The embankment will border Hagley playing fields, which would be out of use for the six months it takes to build the flood defences.

It is expected that normal use of the playing fields will resume after the work is finished.

The move has been estimated to create 330 jobs because of the attraction of new businesses to the town.

Staffordshire County Council, who are working with the environment agency and Cannock Chase District Council on the scheme, said the fact that a large part of Rugeley town centre was 'blighted' by a flood risk could not be allowed to continue.

The county council's leader, Philip Atkins, said: "The Rugeley flood defence scheme means the town and surrounding areas can look forward to future regeneration and greater employment and leisure opportunities.

"Sizeable areas of Rugeley town centre are currently blighted by flood risk – meaning housing developers and businesses won't invest there. We cannot allow that to continue."

The first section of work will see the site set up, along with 'crayfish mitigation' and stripping and storing the topsoil ahead of landscaping works.

A spokesman for the county council added: "The county council and our partners are working hard to regenerate our towns and attracting investment is essential. Flood risk is blighting the town in terms of its development potential so we need to act now.

"Sizeable areas of Rugeley town centre are currently blighted by flood risk – meaning housing developers and businesses won't invest in the town. We cannot allow that to continue."

Plans for the defence scheme were revealed to residents in March last year at Rugeley's leisure centre.

They were largely welcomed by residents including one who described the plans as 'relatively sound'.