Tenbury Wells launches new scheme to combat flood risk

Following what the volunteers refer to as the 'tractor flood' the team said they knew the town needed boots on the ground to help local businesses and homeowners.

Retired police detective Simon Davies is one of the group, coming together to create the independent Tenbury Wells flood warden scheme.

Simon along with Ryan Parkes and others will be on hand to offer help, lug sandbags and protect what Simon refers to as the town's 'vulnerability'.

"With all due respect to the Town Council and the Environment Agency, we need locals out and about helping. We can move quickly and we can co-ordinate protection so that Tenbury can be supported."

Tenbury Wells has suffered from terrible flooding in 2019, 2020, 2023 and, arguably the worst in 2024.

Mr Davies who has lived in Tenbury since 1997, said the team is now active and during what he called the 'dry season' they would be out and about around town, offering advice and guidance about how to be ready for any flooding later in the year,

"It is in its infancy," he said. " But we will be working towards being charity registered and working on our processes for getting information and help to those who need it, when flooding alerts come out."

Councillor Justin Bowen is also involved.

He met up with Simon following his meeting on April 16 with Worcestershire County Council’s flood management officer.

Cllr Bowen said: " After initial discussions in November, I took the concept to the Environment Agency and they were fully supportive, providing links and contacts with other schemes. I’ve also established a strong link with Worcestershire County Council’s flood management officer, which will ensure that the flood wardens become a key part of Tenbury’s flood response. I have also pledged funding for equipment. "

Cllr Bowen added that on April 22 he will be at the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee meeting, the key decision-making body when it comes to funding flood protection across the region.

"I will be updating them about the Tenbury Wells flood warden scheme as it will show that the Tenbury Wells community is doing everything it can to protect itself from flooding," he said.

"This is likely to help us secure further funding from the committee in future."

"I am really delighted that the Tenbury Wells flood warden scheme is going to happen. It’s taken a lot of work and commitment, but it is a huge step in our flood defences. I pay tribute to everyone involved. Additionally, I think this scheme could be a blueprint for Worcestershire as a whole – it will really set a standard for other flood hit areas to follow."