Campaigners paddle down Severn calling for government to fully back flood scheme
The campaign paddle was a huge success, according to organisers
A community group canoed 106 miles down the River Severn in six days to collectively call for the government to urgently fully back a major water management scheme.
The action group Severn Together and others paddled down the famous river to not only call on the government to back the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS), but also to raise awareness of the increased risk of flooding in the area.
Between September 1 and 6, the group of nearly 60 people, which included West Mercia Rescue Service, a local canoe club, and the local chef influencer Adam Purnell, travelled down the river, stopping off at a host of locations.
The group set off from Llanidloes, stopping off at the likes of Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, before eventually reaching Bridgnorth.
The SVWMS is a project which hopes to reduce the risk of flooding along the River Severn in both England and Wales.
It aims to use innovative methods to manage flooding in the catchment area, including nature-based and traditional engineering methods in both urban and rural locations.
Siobhan Connor from Severn Together said: “It has been a hugely positive and successful inaugural campaign. We have heard countless stories of repeated flooding, disruption and long-term stress.
“We have received so much support from residents, farmers, businesses, community groups along the way. But this is also a story about what can happen when the Government invests in a long-term solution and what communities can achieve when they come together.
“The plan is there - the government needs to back it and commit to deliver the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme in full. We are asking for funding certainty, for our river, for our communities, for our future."
Ms Connor, who is also the chair of Shrewsbury flood action group, added: “The personal and economic devastation that flooding brings cannot be overstated and we cannot carry on living like this.
“The only hope for us is that the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is going ahead in full and fully funded.”
She said that she fears the scheme could be watered down as time goes on, and not be the effective project it currently aims to be.
“Only the full SVWMS can deliver protection. The government must fully fund it now - no delays, no half-measures,” Ms Connor exclaimed.
Following the comments made by Severn Together organisers and the canoe journey campaign, the Shropshire Star contacted the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra).
A Defra spokesperson said: “The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme has so far received £10 million from the UK Government to support the development of a long-term water management strategy for the upper Severn catchment, alongside a further £4.5 million for smaller demonstrator projects aimed at testing key concepts and building local resilience.”
They added: “This funding is intended to investigate solutions for flood risk reduction, water supply management, and environmental improvements across the catchment.
“Environment Agency and partner organisations will explore options to unlock further funding to reduce flood risk up and down the catchment.”
No overall cost projection has been released by those behind the SVWMS.
However, in August, a spokesperson for the SVWMS welcomed the community paddle when it was announced.