In a bid to protect and preserve the Severn Estuary coastline, local MP Luke Hall has met with the Severnvale Flood Defence Group to discuss plans to tackle flooding in the area.
Earlier this month local MP Luke Hall, alongside local Councillor Matthew Riddle and Council Leader Toby Savage, met with members of the Severnvale Flood Defence Group, to discuss their ongoing commitment and work to help protect the shoreline along the Severn Estuary. The group discussed the measures being taken to protect our local villages against flooding, including Oldbury-on-Severn, Aust, and Littleton.
The Flood Defence group was established to engage with local Risk Management Authorities to address the concerns of local communities regarding the risk of future flooding.
The threat of immediate flooding is relatively low, however there is evidence that action needs to be taken to mitigate future risks, with earth embankment defences requiring reconstruction.
Having met the group to discuss their efforts and detailed assessment of the coastline, Luke will be escalating concerns with the Environment Agency and DEFRA, after his discussion with the group. Matters raised will include the Shoreline Management Plan, and the timeframes as to when further action will be taken and what further funding can be made available.
Luke Hall MP said: “I commend the group’s hard work and the valuable efforts on behalf of our Severn villages. As our local MP, I will be taking this important issue up with the Environment Agency and DEFRA to seek further support; and assurances that there is an ongoing plan and supporting investment to tackle the flooding risk along our shoreline.”
Barry Turner, Chair of the Severnvale Flood Defence Group following the visit:
“It was a very useful meeting the Severnvale Flood Defence Group (SFDG) attended with Luke and representatives of South Gloucestershire Council.
The SFDG understand that flood risk between Aust and Sharpness is currently low except perhaps in extreme circumstances such as Storm Eunice in February, where we had a near miss. It is good to know our local MP is taking an interest in this.”
