WORK has just been completed on an £85,000 project hailed as critical to the success of the flood defence scheme for Moreton-in-Marsh – the installation of two 750mm diameter pipes under the Stow Brook bridge on the A429.

This should result in a reduction in flood risk on the road and surrounding areas, according to local councils.

But the main function of the new pipes will be to convey additional storm flows entering the Stow Brook via a planned flood defence pipeline which will run along the rear of the nearby hospital and garden centre.

The bridge project was jointly funded by Cotswold District Council, Moreton Town Council and Gloucestershire County Council. The work necessitated daytime road closures over a three-day period and also the use of temporary lights to ease traffic congestion.

Councillor Sue Coakley, Cotswold District Council's cabinet member for health, environment and communities, visited the site recently and was very pleased with the outcome.

She said: “This crucial flood alleviation project was completed on time and within budget and disruptions were kept to a minimum because pre-fabricated components were used.”

Councillor Robert Dutton, of Cotswold District Council, added: “I would like to thank everyone for being so patient while the works were being carried out. The council is also very grateful to the landowners involved: Mr Tim and Mrs Gillian Godwin of Fosseway Farm and also Mr Keith Oughton of Lower Rye farm for his input into the design and his assistance with granting land and access for the works to proceed.”

Councillor Vernon Smith, of Gloucestershire County Council, who chairs the Cotswold flood action group, said:

“This new Stow Brook improvement is a big step forward and augments the significant work which has already been completed to protect Moreton-in-Marsh from the risk of flooding.

"Initially a replacement trash screen was installed in the Queen Victoria Gardens in 2010. A bund has also been built at Swan Close and new pipes have been laid beneath the road at the old Matcon site on London Road.

"Additionally maintenance work on the Stow Brook has resulted in a 300mm drop in the water level and local properties have benefited from flood protection measures.”