Flood risk Shropshire community gets early warning system

A flood‑risk community is set to benefit from a new automated early warning system designed to improve local preparedness and resilience.

The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) is supporting a new collaboration to enhance flood resilience along the Rea Brook, working closely with the Minsterley Flood Action Group.

The group will benefit from a digitally-automated flood warning system similar to one deployed in Bucknell which is also in the River Severn catchment.

The RSPAWIR use-case project, led by the University of Chester as part of its wider Build Back Together research initiative, has shown how wireless water‑level sensors, real‑time dashboards and early alerts can help communities better understand and respond to flood risk.

Dr Namrata Bhattacharya‑Mis, associate professor in disaster risk and resilience and programme leader in natural hazard management at the University of Chester, said:-

“The system provides 24/7 local water‑level monitoring and sends email, WhatsApp and SMS alerts to subscribed users when water levels start to rise.

“It was important to scale up this work, and we’re pleased to once again have the support of the RSPAWIR. From experience, we know that strong community involvement is what really maximises the impact of this kind of technology.”

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-

“This is a tried‑and‑tested system that gives local people access to clear, real‑time information about flood risk, helping them take action to protect their homes and their community.

“I’m pleased that the RSPAWIR has been able to support this project and help communities become more resilient to flooding.”

Doug Jones, of the Minsterley Flood Action Group, said:

“The group appreciate the opportunity to participate in this bold innovative development launched by the RSPAWIR, using remote sensors to monitor water flows in real time within strategic tributaries and the Minsterley Brook, and are very keen for our local community to find out more about how the data might support them and our response to flooding locally. “

Local Shropshire councillor Nick Hignett added:

“I know people have been affected by repeated flood events and from that experience they know what action to take and when to take it, but the early warning system based on real-time data can only be an advantage.”

Julia Buckley MP said:

“This exciting community lead development comes after years of local campaigning by the Minsterley Flood Action Group. Today is a great milestone, as localised data has been the missing link for Minsterley and its surrounding areas.”

The deployment includes wireless water‑level sensors on the Minsterley Brook, Santley Brook and Hogstow Brook.

Chester University will be running a community information session at Minsterley Parish Hall on May 29.

The RSPAWIR, managed by Shropshire Council, has received £4 million in funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to support the growth of advanced wireless innovation across key economic sectors and is one of ten innovation regions nationally to receive funding.

RSPAWIR focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced wireless technologies across three sectors with strong roots in the catchment area: water management, agri‑tech and the public sector.