Storm Dennis update

Bewdley residents are being advised that water levels are expected to rise in the town later today.

The flood barriers at Severnside North and Severnside South are expected to hold, however, the barriers at Beales Corner may not withstand the rising water levels and could be ‘out-flanked’.

It is possible that properties may be affected by floodwater and a rest centre has been established at Wyre Forest House to accommodate residents who have to leave their properties and have no alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends.

Emergency response partners including West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest District Council, the Environment Agency and health partners are working to keep people safe and are closely monitoring the situation locally. Officers from a number of these agencies will be in the community offering advice, support and reassurance.

Superintendent Mark Colquhoun from West Mercia Police and on behalf of the multi-agency flood response, said: “Safety remains our absolute priority and as such we are keeping a very close eye on Bewdley today and we expect that some properties will be at risk of flooding, particularly if the Beales Corner barrier is ‘out-flanked’.

“We will have officers in the town speaking to residents whose homes may be at risk of flooding. We will also put road closures in place as necessary.”

Information regarding the flooding including road closures, will continue to be given on social media by the Environment Agency, local authorities and the emergency services, and via local news or radio channels.

Please note: Floodwater is starting to encroach on the lower half of our car park at Severn Meadows One behind Stourport Civic Centre. If you are parked here you may wish to move your vehicle to a higher level as flood levels are expected to peak later on today and overnight. The lower part of our car park in Dog Lane, Bewdley may also be affected as levels peak. So please keep an eye on the Met Office and Environment Agency websites for the latest news.

Sandbags are available from our depot in Green Street, Kidderminster and we are offering free bulky collections to any resident in the district who has flood-damaged items that can be removed.

Our partners at Worcestershire Regulatory Services can help food businesses affected by flooding get back to normal as quickly as possible. They have put together a factsheet to help businesses avoid any serious risk to public health from infection and food contamination. Flood damage can also give rise to health and safety issues too. You can download a copy from their website. https://worcsregservices.gov.uk/…/floods-and-food-businesse…

If you live in north Worcestershire and have been affected by flooding you may wish to complete a short survey compiled by North Worcestershire Water Management aimed at supporting you during and after this particular incident.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NWWMFloodSurvey