£10.6m Stoke-on-Trent flooding scheme under way

The brook is a 6km (3.7mile) tributary of the River Trent

A £10.6m plan to alleviate flooding in central Stoke-on-Trent has started.

The scheme will reduce the flood risk to 333 homes and businesses from the Fowlea Brook during times of high rainfall, the Environment Agency said.

The brook is a 6km (3.7mile) tributary of the River Trent and while properties have not flooded since 1997, there was a high risk of flash flooding,

Vegetation was cleared as part of the scheme last year, but new trees will be planted.

Mark Swain, Environment Agency flood risk team leader for the West Midlands, said water levels can increase by more than 1m (3ft) in 15 minutes, particularly during summer thunderstorms as was seen in July 2021.

"This scheme will help to better protect the area from the devastating impact of flooding and make it more resilient to effects of climate change.

"It will also enable the area to be regenerated and help to create up to 570 jobs."

The work will enable development at the historic Spode Works site, the council said

Amjid Wazir, city council cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability said: "These measures are essential to support the viability of Stoke town centre and to protect hundreds of homes and businesses from the threat of flooding.

"The work will enable development at the historic Spode Works site, the creation of jobs and improvements to the town centre to attract further investment."

The scheme is largely funded by the Environment Agency, which has pledged £5.2bn for new flood defences by 2027.

The Trent Regional Flood and Coastal Committee has also contributed £1.5m, with £500k from the Stoke and Staffordshire LEP and £92k from Stoke-on-Trent City council.