In November 2000 Bewdley suffered serious flooding and 140 properties were affected. After the flood, the aim was to construct an effective flood defence for Bewdley, which would also enhance the Georgian town and its 18th Century quay.
Bewdley Case Study: The Bewdley Flood Defence Scheme
The Environment Agency consulted local people about the best solution to the flooding problem. They decided on an innovative demountable aluminium barrier system called 'the invisible defence'. The barrier works with a below-ground wall, which acts as a cut-off to underground flow during flood events. About 450m of demountable flood defence was built, with 150m of permanent flood defence wall.
The conflict of building a 21st Century flood defence system along an 18th Century listed quay, next to twelve listed properties and a Thomas Telford Grade I bridge has been solved. There was the added bonus of a new open space with handrails, steps, ramps and walkways, which conceal the line of the flood defences, but give easy access during flood events.
The scheme cost £7M. The first part of the system was proved in real flood conditions in February 2004. Once the Severnside North section was completed, work started in March 2004 to build the larger Severnside South section and complete protection of the town. Construction work was completed in time for the system to be live tested in November 2005.
In the major flooding of July 2007, the barriers were put in place before river levels rose and the town was saved from serious damage.
