CITY bosses are to lobby Chancellor Gordon Brown for more money for flood defences.

A letter pointing out the devastating effects of flooding in the city will be signed by council bosses and sent to the Exchequer.

The campaign was started by Worcester Action Against Flooding (WAAF) last month - urging local residents to bombard the Government with signed copies of the letter.

Now the council has said it supports the campaign and will make sure its endorsement reaches London by signing a copy and posting it off.

"The Government has the power to provide money for more flood defences," said leader Stephen Inman.

"This campaign was not started by us, but we do support it and will do what we can as part of our role in playing the good citizens.

"It is up to The Environment Agency to manage the consequences of flooding in the city and if more money helps Worcester protect from floods, great.

"It is right that we support this campaign by the Worcester Action Against Flooding and right that we encourage other people in the city to support it."

The letter claims flood defence funding is some £700m short over the next 10 years - and that urgent action is required to help get cities such as Worcester more help.

It says flood risk in Worcester will not go away and that it leaves a "trail of devastation" in the city.

Local campaigner Mary Dhonau, who lives on Waverley Street, Diglis, is acting as local co-ordinator for the WAAF.

She said: "I wrote to Worcester City Council asking for its support and told it I would hand deliver the letter if necessary.

"It's great to have the council on our side. The feedback since I launched the campaign has been very positive.

"It's about getting more and more people involved so we can show the Government we are serious."

A copy of letter can be printed off and signed by logging on to www.floodforum.org.uk.