Non-return valve to be installed on Sandon Road in hope to reduce flooding

Residents affected by flooding on Sandon Road in Stafford have been given a fresh update, with new work now planned to help reduce future flooding.

In a letter to residents, Leigh Ingham MP said the Sandon Road Flooding Taskforce has been meeting over recent months and that several developments are now moving forward.

The taskforce includes Severn Trent, the Environment Agency, Staffordshire County Council, Stafford Borough Council, and is being led by Leigh Ingham.

Flooding in January 2025

New valve planned for Sandon Road

One of the main updates is that a non-return valve will be installed on Sandon Road.

Leigh said this should help stop water flowing back onto the road, which in turn is expected to help reduce flood levels and cut how often the road has to close during heavy rain.

However, she also said the work will mean Sandon Road needs to close for around five days while the valve is installed.

The letter says the closure is expected to be weather dependent, so an exact date had not yet been confirmed at the time of writing.

More drainage and vegetation work

The letter also says more work is planned at the same time to help the drainage network.

Leigh said Severn Trent will clean the drainage gullies, while Stafford Borough Council has already cleared vegetation and removed debris in the area to help reduce pressure on the network.

FAIR flooding team joins taskforce

The update also says the FAIR flooding team has now joined the taskforce.

FAIR stands for Flood Aware, Informed, Resilient and the project works to reduce flood risk and improve resilience across communities in Staffordshire.

According to the letter, FAIR has identified extra funding for more mitigation measures alongside specialist doors that have already been installed by the Environment Agency.

Leigh also said FAIR will create a Sandon Road community page on its website, which will be used to share updates, warnings and support for residents dealing with flooding.

Not a full fix yet

Leigh stressed in the letter that these measures are not a total solution to the flooding problems on Sandon Road.

She said the taskforce will continue pushing for a longer term fix, but added that she hopes the interim measures will start to make a difference.

Ongoing flood work in the area

This latest update follows earlier work to improve property level flood resilience for homes in the Sandon Road area.

That included measures such as flood doors, flood resistant air bricks, pumps, and other upgrades designed to help reduce damage when flooding happens.