West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local people to get involved in the consultation process which will see a permanent flood defence scheme built in Tenbury Wells.
The Environment Agency has started consulting local people as it develops a detailed design of the scheme to protect homes and businesses.
The agency has unveiled a ‘virtual engagement room’ where computer users are able to visit a dedicated site, look at the plans and leave their comments. The consultation will also involve phone conversations, presentations and newsletters to get the best possible feedback while Covid restrictions remain in place.
Harriett urged people who have a view on the proposals to visit the website if possible and sign up for the newsletter at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/west-midlands/tenbury-wells-flood-risk-management-scheme/.
Harriett commented: “The current Covid restrictions make it difficult for the Environment Agency to do their usual events and activities to get local people’s views and I’ve been impressed with the way they have adapted their processes. You can now visit a ‘virtual Pump Rooms’ and see lots of detail.
“But it is now absolutely vital that people have their say. We need a flood scheme that works and has the support of local people and in my experience, we will get the best scheme by tapping into local knowledge.
“I hope that people are able to sign up for the newsletter and start sharing their views as quickly as possible and after Christmas, I hope conditions relax to allow for a wider range of consultation events.”