Government Minister to visit Bewdley to see the impact of latest floods

Rebecca Pow, Floods Minister, visited the town earlier today to see how the recent storms and extremely high river levels on the River Severn caused flood waters to over-top temporary flood barriers, as well as the impact this latest flood has had on local residents and businesses.

Council Leader Simon Geraghty, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Tony Miller and local county councillor for Bewdley Ian Hardiman accompanied Rebecca on her visit.

Councillor Geraghty said, “I was really pleased to be able to accompany Rebecca on her visit to Bewdley. It is really hard to appreciate the scale of the flooding and the impact it has on the town and the residents unless you are able to come and see it for yourselves.



“Today’s visit is a real sign of commitment from Central Government as we look to build on the progress we have made through our own flood alleviation schemes and already completed flood defences at several locations across Worcestershire. You can see the positive effect of permanent flood defences on Severn Side, Bewdley thanks to our partners at the Environment Agency and it is vitally important that we work alongside them to continue to progress permanent flood defences for the other side of the river including Beales Corner. I’d like to take the opportunity to once again thank our residents, and our officers and our partners for their continuing efforts as we head towards yet another recovery phase.”

The visit comes after the severe ‘danger to life’ flood warning was raised for Bewdley and water over-topped temporary barriers at Beales Corner.

In total, around 40 homes have been evacuated and Bewdley Bridge remains closed to all means of transport.

Flood waters in Bewdley peaked yesterday at 5.32 metres.

A free pedestrian shuttle bus is running up to 6pm taking residents between All Saints Church, Wribbenhall and Load Street, in Bewdley.

The Environment Agency has been working over the past week to prepare for the reasonable worst case impacts of Storm Eunice and Storm Franklin, planning for all scenarios to help keep communities and people safe.

Teams have been out on the ground to erect barriers and clear screens to help mitigate potential flooding impacts.