THREE Worcestershire councils have failed to produce flood defence plans demanded by the Government more than 12 months ago, it emerged today.

The policy statements were supposed to be delivered to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on April 1 last year.

But, at the end of last month, reports were still outstanding from Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills - which have suffered severe flooding in recent years - along with Bromsgrove.

The councils were criticised by Worcester MP Mike Foster, chairman of the new All Parliamentary Flood Group.

He said the Government even provided a template for the production of the policy statements, with worked examples, to help local councils.

Worcester, Redditch and Wychavon have submitted their reports, which detail how they plan to meet Government targets for improving flood defences.

"I was shocked to see that three local councils in Worcestershire had not submitted policy statements on flood prevention to Government," said Mr Foster.

"Given the extent of flooding in the county, there can be no excuse for not taking seriously this issue.

"Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills, I know, suffer from serious flooding. How do residents in Bewdley and Upton feel about their local council failing in this matter, given the problems flooding causes?

"I urge these local councils to get a grip on this issue before the winter comes and the flood season begins.

"I hope enough local people start making a fuss over this, and let their local councillors know it's time to do some work."

The Labour MP continued: "If these councils aren't prepared to produce a statement, they should say so publicly and let residents know.

"If they're just tardy, they should apologise and get on with it. Floodwaters don't wait for the next cycle of committee meetings to begin. It's time for action now."

The Government has placed details in the House of Commons Library of authorities which have not produced flood defence plans.

"We haven't ascertained whether the authorities who have still not yet produced the policy statement are refusing to do so, or if there are other reasons," said Floods Minister Eliot Morley.

"We plan to work with the Environment Agency and Local Government Association to encourage the production of policy statements."