Town's hopes for flood-free future

In October and November, 2000, the River Severn rose to water levels of 5.6 metres above summer levels. They were the highest recorded in the town since 1947 and residents experienced three floods in six weeks.

Since then, the Environment Agency, as part of £200 million spent across the Midlands, has invested money in improving defences on Severnside North and South, where the majority of properties were flooded.

Peter Barnett, of the Bewdley Residents' Flood Committee, said: "We're much better than we were five years ago. It has been a lot of hard work. It is pleasing it's all paying off.

"There has been a lot of talk about where we were five years ago and a lot of people remembering how it was then. There's been a huge sigh of relief that the majority of houses are going to be safe but there's still a few who don't have that comfort."

De-mountable defences were completed in 2002 to protect Severnside North and are nearing completion on Severnside South. They can be erected when a flood is expected and removed after the water has subsided.

Spokeswoman for the Environment Agency, Jenny Stratton, said: "The flood defences that have been completed on Severnside North and are being completed on Severnside South are being built to withstand a greater flood than what happened in 2000."

Temporary flood defences to protect residents in Wribbenhall are also planned and a pallet barrier trial will be carried out at Beales Corner on the Stourport Road.

It is hoped that if the trial is successful, similar barriers could be used to protect Riverside North.

Mr Barnett said: "We would like to see how the trials go for the pallet barrier. We would like to see how that works and - if it works - see if there is anywhere else it can be used in the town.

"Riverside is still unprotected. We are going to work with the Environment Agency to see what can be done there. We'll keep our fingers crossed."