MP welcomes funding to expand Severn Beach flood defences

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has welcomed the commitment of £4million of funding from the Environment Agency to begin the work of preparing to build new flood defences along the Severn Beach railway line.

The Liberal Democrat MP, who had previously called for the funding as Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, raised the issue of flooding on the Severn Beach line in her maiden speech in Parliament and in a follow-up letter to the Secretary of State for Transport.

In her letter, she called for additional funding to boost flood defences along the Severn Beach line – highlighting how flooding was causing serious disruption to local railway services and is only set to get worse due to the effects of climate change.

In response to her letter, Rail Minister Lord Hendy confirmed that work was underway to expand flood defences along the section of the line immediately south of Severn Beach station, backed up by £4million of funding by the Environment Agency.

The design work is set to be completed by 2027 for a scheme to bolster protection for this important section of the track and bring the level of defence in line with the rest of the route.

Claire Young MP said:

“Flooding along the Severn Beach line has long been a concern for rail users, who have seen services delayed or cancelled because of inadequate flood defences along the route.

“I raised this issue in my very first speech in Parliament, so am glad to see that we now have finally seen some progress to get the initial work underway – backed up by real cash.

“This work is vital to ensure the entire line is protected now and into the future. I look forward to working with the Environment Agency to ensure it is delivered as soon as possible.

“This is a big win for our area, and I will continue to fight to ensure this new government provides the investment needed for our communities to thrive.”