FLOOD victims from across the UK could soon be turning to Bewdley for help under plans to make the town a national "think tank".

The widely-praised Bewdley Residents' Flood Committee, set up a year ago in response to the town's worst flooding for 50 years, is hoping to attract funding to set up a National Flood Defence Forum. The river wall at Severnside North in Bewdley is cleaned and repointed ahead of work to install the foundations for removable flood barriers.

Proposals have been submitted to the Environment Agency by committee chairman Peter Barnett and organiser Gill Holland for the forum which would aim to "bring similar groups of residents across the UK together". Bewdley Residents Flood Committee chairman Peter Barnett, who wants to share his group's expertise with other UK flood victims.

This would "give communities affected by flooding a united and stronger voice when dealing with the Government, insurance companies and the other agencies that impact on combating the problems of flooding".

The bid has been boosted by Environment Secretary Elliot Morley, who told Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor he had been impressed by the committee's "energy and drive". He said he would give "careful consideration" to any proposals.

Bewdley Town Council believes the town is better prepared for this winter after last year's chaos - from which some are only now recovering - when Prime Minister Tony Blair made a flying visit. flashback to last year's floods.

And work has begun on preparing Severnside North for a £2 million project to install removable flood barriers, subject to final approval from the Government.

But Mr Barnett said the residents' committee, set up to ensure last November's misery would not be repeated, is hoping to share its expertise with others across the country who will not benefit from such long-term protection.

He said he would run the National Flood Defence Forum with Mrs Holland and added funding was being sought to set up offices and take on employees.

Mr Barnett added: "We continue to provide a focal point for residents affected by flooding in Bewdley. During the year we have held a number of public meetings at which attendances have been high.

"Wyre Forest District Council and emergency planners at county level have been in regular contact with us and as a result it is felt they are better aware of the needs of the community and this is reflected in their recently published plans for dealing with any floods this winter."

The committee organised the UK's first ever flood defence trade fair in June, while Mrs Holland has advised groups from across the country, helped to organise four other fairs and addressed the national emergency planners' conference.