Big test for Severn flood defences

ENGINEERS are testing new flood defences for low-lying areas near the River Severn.

The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence project team has commissioned a flood gate and glass panel defences at New Passage, South Gloucestershire.

Weighing over a tonne, the flood gates used on the project form a "substantial part" of the flood defence network and can be both mechanically and manually operated, which makes it easier for Environment Agency to open and close in different circumstances.

The flood gate at New Passage is one of several being installed in areas covered by the project, with others at Lamplighter’s Marsh and in Aust.

To test them, engineers pump two tonnes of water behind each gate, with site staff looking carefully for leaks.

If any were spotted, the seals on the gate are adjusted and retested. The same process is repeated on a section of the glass panel flood defences at New Passage.

Environment Agency senior flood and coastal risk