Dates set for Welshpool, Llanfyllin flood public meetings

Residents, farmers and businesses across the Upper Severn catchment, including in the Welshpool area, are being invited to have their say on major plans to reduce flood risk and improve long term water management along the River Severn.

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) will hold nine public information sessions across Powys and Shropshire during January and February 2026 as part of a wide ranging public consultation on its emerging strategy.

The consultation follows new data analysis showing that up to 100 million cubic metres of water may need to be temporarily stored during extreme flood events in the Upper Severn. This is equivalent to around 40,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.

The SVWMS is a cross border partnership led by the Environment Agency alongside Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council. Its aim is to develop a long term, joined up approach to flood risk management while also delivering benefits for communities, farming, wildlife and the local economy.

At each event, which will run from 2pm to 7pm, the project team will explain the emerging proposals, answer questions and gather feedback from the public. The scheme says it is committed to working closely with communities and landowners, using a mix of nature based and engineered solutions that reflect local needs.

Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said rivers such as the Severn are central to life in the region.

“Rivers in this area support homes, farms, businesses and wildlife, but extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and the risk to communities is increasing,” he said.

“Food production in this geography is critical and this is an opportunity to help reduce some of the risks that can challenge that production. The intention is to identify approaches that work with existing farm practices while also generating new and additional revenue streams.

“This consultation is an opportunity for residents, farmers, business owners and community groups to help shape the future of water management in the Upper Severn and to help futureproof our economy.”

The consultation events are:

• January 6, 2026 – Melverley Village Hall, Melverley, Oswestry, SY10 8P
• January 13, 2026 – Bettws Village Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, SY16 3DS
• January 15, 2026 – Welshpool Town Hall, 42 Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JQ
• January 20, 2026 – Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury, SY3 8FT
• January 28, 2026 – Caersws Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Caersws, SY17 5EN
• January 30, 2026 – Minsterley Parish Hall, Minsterley, Shrewsbury, SY5 0EH
• February 4, 2026 – Oswestry Cricket Club, Morda Road, Oswestry, SY11 2AY
• February 9, 2026 – Llanfyllin Library Youth and Community Centre, Council Buildings, Llanfyllin, SY22 5DB
• February 12, 2026 – Hanging Gardens Project, Bethel Street, Llanidloes, SY18 6BS

Consultation materials are also available online and in local libraries and leisure centres across Powys and Shropshire. The online consultation opened on December 17 and will run until March 11, 2026. Feedback gathered during this phase will directly inform the draft strategy, which will be subject to further consultation later in 2026.

More information and feedback forms are available at
www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is

Enquiries can be sent to SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.