LUDLOW'S Flood Action Group came into being after Friends of the Corve and Teme called a public meeting in July 2016 to discuss possible flood defence measures. Since then, the group has met twice to discuss the first draft of Ludlow's proposed Flood Action Plan, and once with representatives of the multi-national flood agencies to consider various avenues of action.

"We had a really productive meeting in February with local officers from the Environment Agency, Shropshire Highways, Shropshire Council Flood and Water Management Team, Shropshire Council and Ludlow Town Council", said Rosemary Wood, chairman of Friends of the Corve and Teme. "As a result, our first site meeting takes place on April 4, when we will visit a number of localities along the catchment which residents have identified as possible flood risks."

These include the land mass under the arches of Corve Bridge; a now-concealed drain on the banks of the Corve; 'islands' in the centre of the Teme at the end of Lower Mill Street, and general debris, such as large or dead trees. "We must learn to understand the rivers", said Rosemary. "A specific action in one place has a knock-on effect somewhere downstream. Establishing a working relationship with the flood agencies and looking at the catchment as whole is essential."

These are some of the issues the working party will look at on the site visits on April 4. By working closely with the various flood agencies, Friends of the Corve and Teme hope to develop an holistic approach to producing Ludlow's Flood Action Plan.

Lower Corve Street and the Linney are fairly well represented on Ludlow's Flood Action Group, but Friends of the Corve and Teme would welcome input from Temeside residents and anyone concerned about possible flooding issues.

The next multi-agency meeting will be held at 5pm, in the Queen Elizabeth Room, the Feathers Hotel, on May 23. Anyone concerned with flooding issues is invited to join Ludlow's Flood Action Group, attend this meeting or submit comments for discussion. Contact Rosemary Wood, rosemary.wood3@gmail.com or phone 01584 875438.

Visit the FCT website f-c-t.org.uk for information on issues ranging from planning applications to free surveys for properties at risk from flooding. You can also view full notes of the public meeting in July 2016 and the first multi-agency meeting on February 28, or request printed copies.