Work on nature-based flood solutions begins

High rainfall and storms have caused a number of serious floods in Shrewsbury in recent years

Work to install nature-based drainage schemes in Shrewsbury has begun.

The Severn Trent project in Coton Hill will see two sustainable drainage systems, or SuDS, and two bioswales constructed at Round Hill Green Playground.

Bioswales, which are depressions in the ground with sloping sides, usually covered in grass, soak up and slow down surface water during heavy rainfall.

Construction of road gullies along Round Hill Green began on Monday - after this phase is complete, the company said work would move to the playground, with all works scheduled to be finished by mid-December.

Severn Trent said the playground would be temporarily closed while work was under way, with a perimeter fence around the site.

It added that access to homes, businesses and for emergency services would be maintained.

A key area of focus for the scheme is a footpath known locally as the "pig trough", which had experienced repeated flooding.

The water firm said the SuDS would help divert the flow of surface water there, reducing the likelihood of flooding.

"The SuDS we're installing in Coton Hill are a great example of how we can use nature to manage surface water more sustainably," said Catherine Webb, the company's community liaison officer.

"They'll not only help reduce flood risk, but also support local biodiversity and create a greener, more resilient space for the community."

The works are part of a wider effort in the town to improve the town's resilience to reduce flooding.

They form part of a £470m investment by Severn Trent in Shropshire over the next five years.