£1m secured for vital flood defence funding for Shrewsbury and Minsterley
Flood defences in Shrewsbury and Minsterley are set to receive a significant boost following the Government’s announcement of a £830 million investment for schemes across the country.
The funding is intended to bolster local resilience against extreme weather, with the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury and the village of Minsterley identified as key beneficiaries of the new financial injection.
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley has welcomed the news, confirming that over £1 million in additional investment has been secured for the town and its surrounding areas for the current financial year. This follows a period of sustained lobbying with ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, alongside collaborative efforts from Shropshire Council, the Marches Partnership, and the River Severn Partnership. Mrs Buckley described the development as a major win for communities that have historically faced the devastating impact of recurrent flooding.
A central portion of the investment will provide vital support for the Frankwell flood defences, which serve to protect homes and businesses in the town centre.
Furthermore, £80,000 has been allocated to the Minsterley Flood Alleviation Scheme. These projects are part of a broader nature-based upstream demonstrator programme managed by the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme. By adopting a catchment approach to river management, these initiatives aim to "slow the flow" of water before it reaches Shrewsbury, reducing the peak of the surge during heavy rainfall.
Nationwide, the government's strategy includes a £300 million allocation specifically for managing, maintaining, and repairing Environment Agency assets. This includes rectifying damage caused by recent severe weather events, such as Storms Goretti and Chandra.
Mrs Buckley noted that since 2024, the government has placed a high priority on maintenance and repairs, with the goal of protecting 24,000 properties in its first year of the current cycle.
Beyond the immediate safety of residents, the investment carries a strong economic argument. Experts suggest that for every £1 spent on flood schemes, at least £6 worth of economic damage is avoided. By investing in these 600 schemes across the country, the government aims to mitigate the misery caused by flooding while ensuring the long-term stability and resilience of local economies.
