Flooding in Droitwich
During the recent floods, the existing stretches of the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals through the town were able to take some of the excess water which was flowing down the River Salwarpe. This was most apparent at the Barge Lock just downstream of Chapel Bridge, where river water flowed over the top of the derelict lock gates. The attached photo taken on the 21 st July clearly shows this. Without the Barge Canal running through Vines Park, undoubtedly the flooding in the park and the town centre would have been much worse.
The dramatic rise in the level of the River Salwarpe, and the shear volumes of water involved meant that the Barge Canal in Vines Park in its current condition was overwhelmed with water and could not accommodate and convey the flood water from the River Salwarpe. The river was not the only cause of flooding though as rain water was also running off fields, buildings and driveways onto roads which the drains could not take. This settled at the lowest points – including St Georges Square and the High Street in Droitwich.
Droitwich Canals Trust currently manages the Canals pending the start of the restoration project. We have been asked why we did not open the Barge Lock to allow more water to drain through the canal. This currently cannot be done as the Barge Lock gates have become silted up and cannot be moved. Furthermore, taking more water into the canal without being able to actively transfer it downstream could have also caused more flooding elsewhere, particularly as the unrestored canal channel is narrowed with reeds and silts.
In emergency conditions, fully restored and operational canals can be used to relieve some flooding by conveying flows downstream and, where applicable, accommodating some surplus water from interconnecting watercourses such as the River Salwarpe. Whilst the existing Canals did provide some benefit, if they were restored, control structures such as locks, sluices and weirs could have facilitated the movement of water downstream and out of the town where the impact of flooding will be less.
Widening of the River Salwarpe between Swan Drive bridge and the Barge Lock to allow navigation for boats will provide flood alleviation. A Flood Risk Assessment submitted with the Planning Application for the restoration project, estimates that up to 30 properties will be taken out of the flood plain due to the increased flood storage capacity of the River Salwarpe In a letter to the Planning Authority, the Environment Agency has accepted that there are significant flood risk benefits that will result from the scheme. Anyone who has an interest in reducing flooding in Droitwich Spa should be writing to Wychavon District Council to support the Planning Application for the restoration of the Droitwich Canals.
Pictures taken on Saturday 21st
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