THE Government is looking into full council tax exemption for Bewdley flood victims.

More than a dozen flood victims, driven out of their homes, have not received a full rebate despite some paying rates for temporary accommodation.

Homes are classed as uninhabitable and eligible for full exemption only if all furniture and possessions are removed.

Now environment minister Beverley Hughes is investigating if partially occupied or substantially furnished homes are eligible.

Wyre Forest District Council has been pressing for 100 per cent relief for those forced to leave their homes.

Bewdley-based Councillor Nigel Knowles told the authority's policy and implementation meeting last Thursday there was a great need to relieve suffering for those affected.

He said: "This is an important step. Flood devastation is still apparent and a lot of people in Bewdley are still out of their houses."

Meanwhile, proposals for a steel flood barrier along the River Severn in Bewdley have come under the spotlight in a town meeting.

Mayor Bill Mason headed a delegation meeting Environ-ment Agency representatives at Severnside North, the site for the suggested demountable barrier.

It was the latest in a series of consultations about the proposed scheme. Members of the town's residents' flood committee were included in the discussions.

Mr Mason said the meeting had allayed many of the town council's reservations about the proposals.

The council had previously condemned the plan, which members feared would cause disruption, and had been urged to keep and open mind by the Environment Agency.