On 30 July 2012, the Environment Agency will be starting work on a new £500,000 flood alleviation scheme at Marlcliff, Warwickshire.
The flood scheme for Marlcliff will consist of a combination of earth embankments and flood walls. There are also plans to improve a number of culverts and realign an existing watercourse. The defences will reduce the risk of flooding to properties in the village to a 1 in 100 chance of a flood occurring in any one year, plus an allowance factored in for climate change.
We held public consultation drop-in sessions in Marlcliff on 4 April and on 6 June 2012 to show residents the latest drawings, and discuss our plans to reduce the risk of river flooding. Following the sessions, we received support for the proposals from the local community.
Marlcliff was effected by major floods in 1998 and 2007. In July 2007, 21 properties were flooded by an event that lasted 3 days. Project Manager Kevin Thomas commented:
“Residents in Marlcliff have suffered from flooding on many occasions in the past, the worst being in July 2007. This flood defence work will significantly reduce flood risk in the future and improve the quality of life for the local residents and businesses.”
The Environment Agency has chosen GF Tomlinson and Sons Limited as the contractor for this project. Construction is scheduled to last 15 weeks and we are asking residents of Marlcliff to bear with us during this phase. Contractors will do all they can to reduce noise and dust whilst working, and signs will be put up to inform residents of footpaths closed and areas with restricted access.
For further information, please contact Project Manager Kevin Thomas on:
Telephone: 01543 404984
E-mail: midscentral@environment-agency.gov.uk
Notes to Editors:
Marlcliff village is part of Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council and lies south west of Stratford-on-Avon, in Warwickshire. The village is subject to flooding from the River Avon and two smaller watercourses, one flowing southwards and the other westwards. The two watercourses combine into one north of the village, flow through the village and then westward to the confluence with River Avon.
Major floods in the past were in 1998 and 2007. During the July 2007 flood event, 21 properties (18 river & 3 surface water) were flooded by an event that had a greater than 1 in 150 year return period. The flood event lasted 3 days in 2007 and flood depth was more than 1m for lowest property.
During a flooding event, the River Avon comes out of the left bank, flooding low lying properties as well as blocking the only road going into and out of Marlcliff. At the same time, water from the smaller watercourse cannot flow into River Avon and backs up, leading to more properties getting flooded.
