West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has called on Tenbury property owners to come forward to identify plans to help improve individual property flood resilience in the town.

With the main flood defence scheme formally paused while further funding is secured, the agency has agreed to work with the owners of properties which have experienced flooding to offer extra protection such as flood gates or basement improvements.

The offer was made by the Environment Agency after it confirmed that the costs of the planned permanent scheme had risen to over £30 million making it unaffordable within the Government’s current budgets.

Residents who want to talk to the agency about the offer can email Tenbury.FRMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Dame Harriett said:

“I plan to keep lobbying for the permanent scheme and a Tenbury delegation is planning to travel to Westminster to help to make the case for the scheme.

“Individual property protection was installed in the town after the 2007 floods and for some buildings, it has made a huge difference. After 18 years it may need a refresh.

“The Environment Agency has offered to work with owners to increase the resilience of each building and I am taking them at their word that it will start this quickly.

“Many of the buildings in Market Street which were flooded last year could benefit from this as well as the shops in Teme Street and other private residences, and I have asked the Environment Agency to get the word out, quickly, and start the improvement work as soon as possible.”