Drainage improvements, increased inspections and new flood monitoring measures are among the steps being taken by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help reduce flood risk across the city.
Flooding isn't always caused by council-owned drains. Many of the incidents investigated involved Severn Trent Water's sewer network, while others related to streams, brooks and culverts that private landowners are responsible for maintaining. Investigations after flooding incidents across the city in winter 2025 found a combination of factors contributed including:
- Extreme rainfall
- Surface water running off steep roads and hillsides
- Sewer capacity constraints
- Highway drainage issues
- Watercourses and culverts
Floods risk across Stoke-on-Trent - The Staffordshire Signal
Investigations found that around 24 reported flooding incidents may have involved sewer capacity constraints.
Work is ongoing with Severn Trent Water to investigate locations where sewer capacity may have contributed to flooding and is pressing for any improvements needed on the company's network.
The council is also progressing longer-term measures to improve resilience, including installing additional flood monitoring equipment, reinstating rainfall gauges, developing a Surface Water Management Plan and seeking funding for larger flood reduction schemes.
This article has been provided by The Staffordshire Signal. Click below to find more local news.
More from News from The Staffordshire Signal
-
Senior Staffy Club launches ticket auction for Aladdin pantomime at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Two tickets for the opening night of Aladdin at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre are up for grabs in a charity auction raising money for Senior Staffy Club.
-
Loan scheme means business for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire SMEs looking to scale up
Interest-free loans of up to £100,000 are available to help local businesses invest and grow. Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council have joined forces on Scale Up Staffordshire, an interest-free loan for businesses across both the city and county.
-
Continental cuisine returning to Hanley this November
Noodles, burritos, chimney cakes and souvlaki are just a few of the foods making their way back to Hanley as the Continental Market returns this November.
-
Policing Minister says new Respect Orders will help tackle anti-social behaviour in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Policing Minister Sarah Jones has visited Newcastle-under-Lyme as new Respect Orders giving authorities additional powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour are rolled out.
-
Stoke-on-Trent Councillors Criticise New Planning Rules Over Local Democracy Concerns
Opposition councillors in Stoke-on-Trent have criticised new national planning rules which will reduce councillors’ role in deciding applications and remove their power to call controversial proposals into committee.
