Cost of Rugeley flood defence work doubles to £4m

In the latest update on the works the Environment Agency has stated the construction stage is expected to last until December this year, later than planned due drinking supplies in the town being diverted.

The authority has stated most of the embankment has now been built with around 150metres left but residents have been warned there will be disruption.

The July update, which now states the scheme will cost £4m when it was previously understood to be £2m, states: "The Environment Agency’s contractors started work in December 2016. The construction phase will last until December 2017.

"This is later than planned, as a water main, which supplies much of the drinking water for Rugeley, needed to be diverted.

"The first phase of sheet piling is complete and the Environment Agency has constructed most of the embankment.

"There is approximately 150 metres of the embankment left to construct which will include more sheet piling.

"This is likely to be noisy and disruptive but the Environment Agency will try and minimise as much disruption as possible for residents."

The update also confirms the Hagley paying fields will be blocked off until next year while now a question mark has emerged over the future of the heritage trail with the EA stating it may need to 'remain closed' without clarifying if it means temporarily or permanently.

The update adds: "As part of the work, the Environment Agency will be re-instating the collapsing footbridge which forms part of Cannock Chase Heritage Trail and is owned by Cannock Chase District Council.

"The Environment Agency plans to re-seed the Hagley playing fields in autumn 2017 and they will remain closed to the public until 2018.

"The exact date will depend on how well the grass grows back.

"The Environment Agency would like to re-open the heritage trail earlier (the main public footpath path up to Cannock Chase) however the area is prone to vandalism which means the whole area may need to be closed to the public."