The Burton-upon-Trent Flood Allieviation scheme has officially opened.

Developed by Galliford Try’s joint venture with Black and Veatch for the Environment Agency and East Staffordshire Borough Council, has received its official opening.

The scheme added a total of 3.7km of defences from Branston to Clay Mills, along the River Trent, protecting an approximate 4,500 homes and 1,000 businesses. Much of the scheme has already been in operation since this winter and protected the surrounding areas from the heavy rain caused by Storm Christoph.

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Alongside the main defences, the project has contributed to the Transforming the Trent Valley (TTTV) Landscape Partnership Scheme led by Staffordshire Wildlife to create 22 hectares of wetland habitat that contributes to England’s Biodiversity Strategy. It was also a winner in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands Awards in May this year.

Steve Slessor, Managing Director of Galliford Try’s Environment business, commented: "I congratulate the team and all the stakeholders involved for completing this fantastic project. It is source of great pride for us as a team to know that the Burton scheme will help protect homes and businesses and have a real impact on people's lives."