A major flood defence project designed to protect a Worcestershire village from the River Severn has been stalled indefinitely after the government's environmental body pulled its funding.
Funding Withdrawn for 'Best Value'
The Environment Agency (EA) has withdrawn financial support for the Severn Stoke flood alleviation scheme, citing a need to prioritise projects that deliver the strongest economic return for taxpayers. The decision was confirmed during a Worcestershire County Council meeting on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Councillor Ian Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, provided an update, stating the council had made "every effort" to assist the EA. This included securing a construction quote for the planned defences. He confirmed the council's own pledged funding remains part of its capital programme.
Years of Delay and Community Impact
The situation has frustrated local representatives, with Councillor Martin Allen urging the EA for a response after delays spanning "years and years and years". The EA's dedicated webpage for the scheme has not been updated since the end of May last year.
The community of Severn Stoke has a long history of damaging floods, with significant events recorded in 2007, 2012, 2020, and January 2021. Flooding impacts not only homes but also critical local infrastructure.
The village hall, the 14th-century Grade II listed St. Denys' Church, and the Rose and Crown pub are all at risk. Furthermore, the strategic A38 road is frequently closed during flood events, causing widespread transport and economic disruption along the River Severn corridor.
Uncertain Future for Village Defences
While Worcestershire County Council says it continues to work with the Environment Agency to determine what is possible, the scheme's future is now in serious doubt. The EA's shift in focus towards schemes with demonstrably higher economic benefits has left this local project in limbo.
The stalemate leaves residents and businesses in Severn Stoke exposed to the ongoing threat of flooding from the River Severn, with no clear timeline for when permanent defences might be delivered.
