West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin pledged to keep fighting for the permanent flood protection scheme for Tenbury Wells but urged local property owners to come forward to sign up for individual property protection assessments.

The MP has also agreed to host a delegation of local people to meet with Ministers in Westminster so that they can press the case for funding of the flood defence scheme.

But following a meeting with local people today (Friday March 7), Dame Harriett has called on the Environment Agency to work with urgency with the local community to identify additional ways to protect homes and businesses the next time the town floods.

The Environment Agency confirmed today that the main flood defence scheme has not got enough funding to be delivered during the current funding period  ending in April 2026.

A new funding window will be agreed soon, and the Government will consult on how major schemes, like the one planned for Tenbury, will be funded later this year.

Dame Harriett said:

“This is disappointing news for Tenbury residents and businesses I echo the frustration local people are feeling.

“While I personally would like to see the scheme moved forward to planning permission, I am told that this is not possible. I will, however, continue to champion the full scheme and lobby for full funding.

“The town council want to send a delegation to meet with the relevant Government Ministers and I am happy to try to arrange that.

“I am also reassured that both the Flooding Minister, Emma Hardy MP and the chief executive of the Environment Agency plan to visit Tenbury in person and see the challenges of delivering the complicated full scheme, and more importantly, what they can do to help.

“After ten years of lobbying I am told that the Environment Agency definitely have current funding available to help Tenbury  with property level protection and natural flood management and I am calling on local home and business owners to come forward quickly and start the ball rolling on getting improvements carried out as soon as possible.

“And after hearing useful comments from local councillors, Worcestershire County Council will review how it supports the town during times of flooding including swifter response times and better protection to prevent traffic driving through flood waters.

“Malvern Hills District Council has also agreed to step up to help property owners navigate current planning restrictions which may currently be hindering individual property protection.

“I pledge again to do all I can to get a permanent flood scheme built if at all possible. In the meantime, there are hundreds of houses that could access cash to protect themselves if they want.”