NINE years after Ludlow was hit by serious flooding an action group is determined to make sure that when it happens again the damage is limited.

A public meeting is also being held to give residents in the parts of the town at risk the chance to hear about ways in which the damage caused by flood water can be reduced.

When the last major incident happened, a bridge was destroyed and a house washed away.

People living in homes in the lower parts of the town found their furniture and valuables under water in 2007.

Residents living in the area around the lower end of Corve Street know that it is only a matter of time before there is another incident.

The residents are aware that memories can be short but say that while no-one that was affected nine years ago people involved are unlikely to forget the damage and distress that can be caused.

At the time, money raised by charities in the town was used to help people who had lost valuable possessions.

The risk of a serious flood is hard to predict and statistics can be misleading as it is possible for major floods in successive years or even the same year and then a gap of many decades.

When the summer floods of 2007 hit Shropshire, Gloucester and Oxford, civil and military authorities described rescue efforts as the biggest in peacetime Britain.

Nine years on, extreme rainfall events are predicted to become more frequent and severe and Ludlow residents living in the part of the town at greatest risk fear existing defences and drainage infrastructure will be unlikely to cope.

They say that while it may not be possible to prevent flooding, it is possible to be pro-active and put in place a portfolio of solutions which could alleviate the consequences.

A new community group has been formed to investigate ideas and actions that can reduce flood risk.

“‘Friends of the Corve and Teme’ will use local knowledge to implement actions which reduce the risk of flooding in and around Ludlow”, said chairman Rosemary Wood.

“No single solution will manage flood risks, but measures can be taken that improve traditional flood defences and reduce the impact on the community should a flood occur.”

Working in partnership with local and Government agencies, the newly-formed community group will hold a public meeting this autumn.

“Residents will be invited to tell us about their previous flooding experiences, and their concerns for the future”, said Rosemary Wood.

“The meeting will be chaired by Thomasin Sayers from the National Flood Forum. She will collate the points made, then arrange a meeting with representatives of all the relevant flood agencies. The ensuing discussion will form the basis of Ludlow’s Flood Action Plan.”

Steps that can be taken to reduce the damage caused by flooding include installing gates that can be fitted across doors, read access to sandbags and work inside a house such as raising the level of plugs and electrical fittings.

The date of the meeting will be announced shortly, but anyone wishing to know more about the Friends of the Corve and Teme – Ludlow’s Flood Action and Environment Group, should contact Rosemary Wood on 01584 877771 or email rosemary.wood9@btinternet.com. Membership is open to anyone – there is no subscription fee.