The current dry spell in this very wet autumn and winter has been very welcome but for dozens or more people across West Worcestershire, this respite just means another clean up as they hope for no more this year. Storm Henk is, thankfully, now an unwelcome memory but the inundation and resultant devastation it caused continues to resonate two weeks later.
Consequently, and for the second time in four months, the Government has announced that its emergency fund provision will come into operation helping homes and businesses affected by flooding from the Teme, Severn and Avon rivers. The funding, administered by district councils across the region, will help people to fix storm damage in addition to providing funding to help prevent future flooding. The scheme was previously triggered in October when Storm Babet wreaked its havoc.
West Worcestershire MP, Harriett Baldwin, has been working with Malvern Hills and Wychavon councils to ensure that people who qualify for the funding are able to get the support as quickly as possible at this most stressful of times. Harriett spoke of her sadness at this latest disruption and turmoil in people's lives as a consequence of this appalling weather. "The saturated ground means that flooding remains a risk and I am once again grateful that we've got flood defence schemes in places like Upton on Severn, Kempsey and Pershore working to protect properties. They have paid for themselves many times over in the years since they were constructed."
Harriett went on to say that she was conscious that some areas, such as Severn Stoke and Tenbury, are still awaiting their flood defences despite funding having been allocated by the Government. "Right now," she said, "my focus is on making sure that everyone is able to access support and, as Parliament returns, I'll be talking to the key Ministers to see what we can do to accelerate the two schemes currently outstanding on my patch in Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke."
