Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA), a vibrant art studio and events venue in John Street, Stroud, was severely flooded this week after a water pipe burst, causing significant damage to the building and its equipment.
Jo Leahy, Artistic Director at SVA, has urged for an immediate resolution to this critical issue that has disrupted the studio’s operations. Last week, she reported a notable increase in water pressure to Severn Trent Water after discovering two leaking pressure valves within the building’s studio, gallery, and event spaces. To relieve the pressure, staff had to nearly shut off the stopcock.
Despite attempts to manage the pressure—such as turning the stopcock on and off multiple times—no improvement was seen. Ms. Leahy also noted that although she provided her mobile number for contact, she did not receive any response from Severn Trent Water.
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On February 16, the situation escalated when several users of the building alerted staff to a severe flood caused by a burst pipe. Ms. Leahy described the incident: “We came into the building after receiving urgent calls and found major flooding that damaged both the property and equipment. This burst pipe, caused by severe external water pressure, has crippled our operations.”
Ms. Leahy emphasized the urgency of the matter, explaining that SVA is a busy, fully occupied space operating 24/7 with around 30 users. The venue hosts a café, bar, gallery, and events, welcoming over 800 visitors weekly. “Until the water pressure issue is resolved, we cannot safely continue our services or prevent further damage,” she warned.
In response, a spokesperson for Severn Trent Water expressed sympathy but stated their pressure readings across the network remain stable with no detected abnormalities. They recommended that SVA consult a qualified plumber and contact their insurance provider for further assistance.
Despite Severn Trent’s remarks, SVA is calling for an urgent intervention to prevent future flooding and restore this important creative hub to full functionality.