BEWDLEY flood victims have welcomed moves to clarify what council relief they can expect while evacuated from homes and firms.

Following a residents' call for Wyre Forest District Council to follow the example of Shrewsbury in helping council tax payers, a leaflet has been issued explaining the relief available.

Bewdley Flood Committee spokesman Robert Young said: "Members were extremely pleased with the results of their efforts in which they urged the district council to harmonise with other authorities for maximum relief."

Council leader Mike Oborski hit back however at any suggestion that Bewdley residents were not getting the same help from the council as in Shrewsbury.

He also dismissed as "complete and utter rubbish" claims from Wyre Forest MP David Lock that the district council was dragging its feet over settling council tax and business rate relief.

Mr Oborski said that while on the latest information Shrewsbury had received 20 applications, Wyre Forest had already settled 26 cases of which 12 had been granted full relief and 14 had received 50 per cent pending visits. Six applications were being processed and two for business rate relief had been granted.

Emphasising that Wyre Forest was "doing the same as Shrewsbury" Mr Oborski said: "The initial information and contact numbers for applications were first distributed at a public meeting in Bewdley on November 10 at which Mr Lock was present."

Anyone wanting to claim relief can contact the council's Revenues Section on 01562 732662 or write to the section at Wyre Forest District Council, 26 Vicar Street, Kidderminster DY10 2BL.