Wythall: New works approved after street hit by 'apocalyptic' flooding

Back in May 2018, a month's worth of rain reportedly fell in an hour in the area, leaving Sycamore Drive five feet deep in rainwater.

At the time, Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Councillor for Wythall, described it as something from an apocalypse.

North Worcestershire Water Management, on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, have been working since the devastating flooding to investigate measures to help reduce future flood risk.

The storage pond will hold approximately 1,000m3 of water and will build upon two smaller ponds created in the same area last year.

There will also be an introduction of a series of leaky wooden dams into the stream to help slow the flow of water, and to encourage the stream to spill into the adjacent ponds.

Car submerged in flood water on Sycamore Drive (Image: Lee Williams)

Councillor Peter Whittaker, cabinet member for environmental services and community safety at Bromsgrove District Council said: “These upcoming works are fantastic news for the local area, as they hopefully go some way to reducing the flood risk and chances of severe flooding, similar to those that occurred in 2018”

Councillor Kent said he is "delighted" the works have been confirmed.

He said: "After the heavy rain recently many residents were cast back to 2018 and it’s brilliant see the data modelling and work from many parties has resulted in clear action to alleviate risk in this area".

The works are due to commence on Monday, November 11 and follow pre-commencement ecology and bat surveys on the site with one relatively large tree needing to be removed as part of the work. It’s being undertaken by Bailey Civils Ltd, at a cost of approximately £36,000 and is being fully funded by the Regional Flood & Coastal Committee.

Due to the cooperation of the owners of private land, where the work is taking place, completion will see a modelled reduction in flood risk to 10 homes downstream.