The Environment Agency (EA) has revealed details of its plans to further protect Burton – a town on the River Trent in East Staffordshire – from flooding.
The plans form the second phase of flood defence improvements to take place in the town, with phase one completed between 2005 and 2007. The town currently boasts 9km of defences comprising a mixture of walls, embankments and areas of high ground. The current works aim to improve the quality of c3.7km of these defences to improve the consistency of flood protection along the town.
Preparation work for the scheme will begin early this year, with construction work expected to begin in the spring. Works should be completed by early 2021.
As well as improving the existing defences, the EA has also collaborated with a number of private and public sector partners to develop a landscape vision to improve the Washlands area – an extensive natural resource and floodplain that follows the river through the heart of Burton upon Trent. Proposed changes to the Washlands would include: include a new flood wall around the leisure centre, the installation of elevated boardwalks and the creation of a new children’s play area.
East Staffordshire Borough Council has a vision to enhance the Washlands and surrounding area for the benefit of local residents. While seeking to develop the Washlands, it is also hoped the wildlife and conservation of the area can be enhanced.
Moving forward, the EA will be working with the council to help deliver some of the recommendations in the vision as part of the flood defence scheme.