Work on a new £5.2 million flood scheme in Staffordshire is now complete.

The development in Rugeley was officially opened on Monday, 18 December.

The scheme, which will help reduce the risk of flooding from the Rising Brook for more than 270 properties, forms an integral part of Cannock Chase District Council's plans to regenerate parts of the town centre.

Features included the construction of a 350-metre long embankment, which is four-metres high at its highest point, on Hagley playing fields. The embankment has created a flood storage area which will store water from the Rising Brook during times of heavy rainfall and then slowly release it back into the watercourse when levels no longer pose a flood risk.

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Mark Swain from the Environment Agency said: "This scheme is fantastic news for the people of Rugeley as it will help reduce the risk of flooding to a significant number of residential properties and businesses.

"Not only that but it is an important step in unlocking Rugeley's potential for future investment, regeneration and growth, something which would be challenging if the town remained at risk of serious flooding."

Gordon Alcott Economic Development & Planning Portfolio Leader for Cannock Chase Council said: "The works that have been carried out will unlock new development opportunities in Rugeley that have previously been constrained by the flood risk.

"The Council have already received a planning application for industrial units which could create approximately 60 jobs in the area that would have been affected by flooding prior to this work being carried out."

(LM)