Investigation into flooding across Wyre Forest begins

Earlier this year, more than 300 homes and businesses across the district were affected by flooding.

People have been rescued as homes were evacuated after the River Severn flowed over flood barrier in Bewdley

Much of Stourport was also left under water as the river breached its banks in the town including the Playland Fun Park and Riverside Amusement Park and Arcade.

The authority’s overview and scrutiny committee is looking at the events which led up to the flooding, the work of the agencies which responded to the emergency and will make recommendations to assist response in the future. Evidence will be given by representatives from the Environment Agency on Thursday.

The committee will also hear from West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday, July 2. Severn Trent has also been invited to attend. Both meetings will start at 6pm and be live streamed via the council’s website.

Any residents and businesses affected by flooding are also being asked to come forward to talk through their experiences at a meeting on Thursday, September 3. Requests must be submitted to the council’s democratic services team before midday on August 19, by email at committee.section@wyreforestdc.gov.uk.

Councillor Marcus Hart, chairman of the committee, said: “As a result of a unanimously supported notice of motion put forward at the February 26 meeting of full council, it was agreed that the overview and scrutiny committee would look into the flooding events that affected parts of our district in February and March.

“We will be hearing from a number of statutory agencies and voluntary partners and would also like to hear from affected residents and businesses as well.”

The committee’s final recommendations will be made to council in September.