Calls for permanent flood defences in Bewdley
Its after some homes were flooded for a second time in 12 months recently.
The leader of Wyre Forest District Council has called on the Government to support residents affected by flooding and confirm that the Government will fund permanent flood defences for Beale’s Corner in Bewdley.
In a letter to George Eustice, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Councillor Graham Ballinger highlights the urgency of action following the failure of the temporary barriers in January.
Beale’s Corner was also hit by severe flooding in February 2020 when the temporary barriers were overtopped.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that it will not be deploying the temporary barriers for a while, because it needs to carry out further investigations to make sure public safety is not compromised.
In the letter, Cllr Ballinger says: “Despite the best efforts of the (Environment) Agency and its staff, many of the householders have been flooded three times in less than 12 months. The pattern of more frequent extreme rainfall events, as a result of global warming, suggests that this will regrettably become a common experience unless the Government acts.”
We spoke to Cllr Ballinger who told us despite the cost, permanent defences are the right solution for Beale's Corner.
Wyre Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed last year’s flooding and full Council unanimously supported its recommendations which included support for the scheme of permanent flood defences being prepared by the Environment Agency.