AN internet map which shows exactly what parts of Bewdley are at risk from flooding has been welcomed as a major step forward for people looking to sell their homes or buy insurance.

The map was launched by the Environment Agency last week to phenomenal demand from computer users and showed exactly which parts of the town - and Wyre Forest - were at risk from flooding.

Bewdley town centre and Wribbenhall was shown to be divided into two clear sections - the area closest to the river had a one per cent in any one year risk of flooding while an outlying area has a risk of 0.1 per cent in any one year.

Peter Barnett, chairman of the Bewdley Residents' Flood Committee, said the map gave a clear indication that only a small part of the town was at risk.

He added: "It should have no effect on anybody who is already affected by flooding because that will already have been taken into account by insurance companies but some people have problems with their insurers even though they are not in the flood plain.

"The map will make it easier for them to convince their insurers."

Although Bewdley is next to the River Severn, the town centre side is built on a sloping hill which protects the vast majority of homes from flooding.

Chris Smith, partner at estate agents, Phipps and Pritchard, said properties had previously been evaluated on their post codes, giving insurers and even potential buyers cold feet when the word Bewdley was mentioned.

He explained: "Properties have been blighted on a blanket basis whereas this new map should eliminate that prospect."

John Andrews, partner at estate agents Doolittle & Dalley, said: "The map is sure to be a big improvement and will enable professionals to advise people on the purchase of properties."

The map takes into account the multi-million pound flood barrier along the riverfront at Severnside North in Bewdley.

Chairman of the Environment Agency, Sir John Harman, said: "Find out whether or not you and your property are at risk from flooding and decide what action you need to take."

The map is online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

The ability of leading organisations to cope with a major flood in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley will be put to the test next week.

Exercise Troy - involving the Environment Agency, emergency services and Wyre Forest district and Worcestershire county councils - will run through procedures and communications between the organisations.

The exercise is being held at Kidderminster's Gainsborough House Hotel on Tuesday.

Environment Agency flood warning engineer, Natalie Rushton, said: "The organisations involved in flood warning and response in Worcestershire are continually looking at ways of working more effectively together.

"We want to make sure we can provide the best possible service during a flooding incident.

"Exercises like this one help us to think through any issues we may need to deal with and practice our plans," she added.