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The Environment Agency has completed a £50 million flood risk mitigation scheme to better protect more than 1,400 properties in Birmingham.
The measures include protection for 950 homes in the Perry Barr and Witton areas of the city. The project has seen the construction of a new flood storage reservoir at Forge Mill in the Sandwell Valley Country Park. The reservoir works to capture excess water from the River Tame during times of heavy rainfall.
The facility includes 3 light beacons which are situated around the reservoir and will be turned on when the reservoir reaches a certain level indicating that walkers should leave the area.
The new reservoir will be able to store 1.7 million cubic metres of water - the equivalent of 680 Olympic swimming pools.
In very large floods, the area of stored water will now be able to extend back up the valley to Forge Mill Farm and Newton Road via the operation of a gate. For smaller flood events, the water will be stored within the banks of the river until it spills onto adjacent land.
Commenting on the completed project Richard Bentley, Environment Agency operations manager for the West Midlands, said: "We're delighted to have completed this major project which will help to better protect homes and businesses from flooding in the Perry Barr and Witton area. We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why better protecting people, communities and the environment is our top priority.
"We'd like to thank people for their patience while we worked on the flood storage area, during which time some parts of the Sandwell Valley Country Park were closed off. The work includes a new circular route around this new section of the park which we hope the community will enjoy."
The work was supported Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Council. Reflecting on the changes Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council, said: "This is really good news for the people of Perry Barr and Witton. It is vital that people and businesses are protected from the damage flooding can do, and this scheme demonstrates really good partnership working to support and protect communities."
