Council launches investigation into flooding caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis

An investigation into the flooding caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis is being carried out by Wyre Forest District Council.

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

The council’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 25 June. The Committee will hear from West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday 2 July. Severn Trent has also been invited to attend. These meetings both start at 6pm and will be live streamed.

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

Councillor Marcus Hart, Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “As a result of a unanimously supported notice of motion put forward at the 26 February 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 motion to council was put forward by Councillor Calne Edginton-White. It also thanked public agencies, voluntary organisations and volunteers for their response in assisting residents and businesses affected by flooding, she said:

“I was delighted all my fellow Councillors supported my motion in February.

“The devastating floods caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis affected many residents and businesses in Wyre Forest and it is important we look into what lessons can be learned and what we can do to make sure this never happens again. In particular to explore what case can be made for permanent flood protection arrangements at Beales Corner, Bewdley.

“My motion also recognised the great work so many volunteers, organisations and agencies put in assisting local residents and businesses. However, there are some questions I feel need answering and an investigation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is a great way to do this.”

The committee’s final recommendations will be made to council in September 2020.