Work to repair an important flood defence structure at Welshmill will begin on 17 August 2026 and is expected to last until the end of September. The work has been commissioned by the Environment Agency and will be delivered by contractors AMCOGiffen.
Civil Engineer Jennifer Townsend of the Environment Agency said:
The Welshmill riverbank protection wall, known as a revetment, was built in 1971 as part of flood defence improvements following severe flooding in 1968. The structure helps protect the riverbank from erosion and plays an important role in reducing flood risk in the local area.
“Over time, the revetment has been damaged by river flows and natural ageing. Parts of the stone surface have cracked and some material has been washed away. This has caused sections of the structure to become unstable. Our contractor will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum; we ask for the community’s patience and understanding as we complete this vital work.”
If left unrepaired, further erosion could lead to more of the riverbank collapsing and may affect the nearby public footpath.
The Environment Agency will carry out repair works to restore the structure and help ensure it continues to protect the local community from flooding. The work is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.
The repairs will include:
- repairing damaged stone pitching on the riverbank
- installing permanent support piles at the base of the revetment
- stabilising areas affected by erosion
What this means for the community
To allow the work to be carried out safely, some temporary traffic and footpath management measures will be in place.
The riverside footpath will be diverted through the nearby play area during construction. Cyclists should continue along Welshmill Lane, onto Welshmill Road before rejoining the riverside path 100m upstream. Construction vehicles may be operating close to the diversion route, but all vehicle movements will be supervised.
There will also be increased construction activity around Welshmill Lane. Traffic lights will be used on the bridge, with one lane closed while works are taking place.
Small scale piling work will be needed for a small number of days. This may create additional noise, but it will take place during normal working hours. The contractor will aim to keep disruption to a minimum.
Construction site
The work will be carried out by AmcoGiffen on behalf of the Environment Agency. The site will include a temporary compound for parking, storage and welfare facilities, and will be secured with fencing.
Find out more
For the latest information about the project, contact WessexEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
