AN MP has released a stern warning that a flood-battered town "will flood again" if adequate flood defences are not installed promptly.
Dame Harriett Baldwin, the MP for West Worcestershire, has pinpointed Tenbury Wells as the main area of the county in dire need of flood protection, after a series of devastating floods, including in late 2024, when the aftermath of Storm Bert left business owners involved in a major clean-up operation.
The town was left around four feet under water after a wall was swept away when the Kyre Brook burst its banks.
Dame Harriett said she has continued to press the Environment Agency (EA) on the multi-million-pound project to install "enhanced flood protection".
In January, the Ludlow Advertiser revealed that the EA had spent over £4.5million on administration for the scheme, which has since been shelved.
Over £17 million had been originally allocated to the scheme; however, following a review of proposals, a funding gap was identified, and the scheme will no longer progress.
In the meantime, Dame Harriet has said contractors are due to start work on individual property resilience measures.
Last year, £1.8million was agreed in principle from a regional flood committee to fund the work on around 200 homes, after it was revealed that the EA had received half of the funding than expected from the Government for regional projects.
"Tenbury will flood again and it is essential this protection work is done swiftly and efficiently this summer," Dame Harriett said.
"There is £1.8 million available this year and more next year to significantly improve the town’s flood resilience before the bad weather returns."
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