FLOOD defences at Butlers Leap are being strengthened this week.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) is making improvements to the flood defences off Boughton Road, which protect nearby homes from flood water from the River Avon and Clifton Brook.
The work follows consultations with the Environment Agency (EA), which recently redesignated the defences at Butlers Leap from a flood basin to above ground reservoir.
The agency has advised the council to remove all vegetation and scrub from the embankments at Butlers Leap, while removing a number of self-set willow trees which have grown in the channel between the brook and river.
RBC’s environment and public realm spokesman Coun Howard Roberts said: “The flooding at Butlers Leap just before Christmas was a timely reminder of the important role the defences play in protecting nearby homes from the River Avon during periods of heavy rainfall.
“After speaking with the Environment Agency and consulting a specialist engineer, we hope this work reassures residents the flood defences at Butlers Leap can continue to protect homes in the future.”
Coun Jim Ellis, ward councillor for Newbold and Brownsover, welcomed the move to bolster the flood defences.
He said: “The flooding over Christmas caused a great deal of concern for residents and I received many messages on social media, and spent time discussing the issue with the Environment Agency.
“This work is a positive intervention by both the council and the agency.”
