Riverside's flood resilience boost complete

The project at Washlands in Burton-upon-Trent includes a new play area and boardwalks

A major riverside redevelopment has been hailed as a significant milestone in a town's wider regeneration and an area to "be proud of" as it is completed.

Work at The Washlands in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, improved the town's resilience to flooding, the local authority said.

Work at the site included a new timber play area and boardwalks to improve accessibility during flooding, as well as fresh landscaping, seating and pathways at the Garden of Remembrance.

Councillor Louise Walker from East Staffordshire Borough Council said the "landmark project" delivered a space that balanced "play, community, and conservation".

The cabinet member for regeneration and development added: "We have created somewhere that is accessible, welcoming, and true to its natural character.

"It's a destination the whole town can be proud of, benefiting residents, visitors, and wildlife for years to come."

The Washlands is a natural flood-plain of the River Trent and floods frequently.

New wetlands and planting across the river and meadows had created habitats that supported local wildlife while helping to manage water naturally, the authority said.

The Washlands and Garden of Remembrance are now fully open to the public, with further planting and habitat enhancements planned in the coming months.

The scheme is part of a broader scheme to better connect the town centre with public spaces and new nature trails.

It was funded by a Local Enterprise Partnership bid, the Environment Agency's Flood Defence Scheme, and East Staffordshire Borough Council.