RESIDENTS in Bewdley have been given a boost with news temporary flood barriers could remain in the town for the next four years.

A public meeting was held at Bewdley Baptist Church where representatives from the Environment Agency updated people in the town on their plans for flood risk management in the area.

Residents have previously raised concerns over plans to remove the temporary flood barriers, used at Wribbenhall/Beales Corner, and replaced with property level protection - which provides safety measures to individual buildings.

A review into the use of the barriers by the Environment Agency showed that they had been deployed 10 times in seven years between 2007 and 2014 and successfully protected properties on three occasions.

The review also concluded that they are not the most cost effective solution and highlighted technical issues such as water making the barriers slide and causing the tarmac on the road to blister.

But Anthony Perry, Environment Agency’s Area Flood Risk Manager, said the barriers could remain until 2020 providing it is demonstrated that they mitigate danger to lives and properties, they are cost effective and the community fully understands the risks and limitations involved.

He added they would work in partnership with Town Council and Bewdley Flood Group on the potential continuation of the temporary flood barriers over the coming months.

The Environment Agency also confirmed that the property level protection scheme would go ahead as planned and will be rolled out over 12 months from March this year.

This would ensure protection of 45 properties at Wribbenhall/Beales Corner rather than the 19 currently covered by temporary barriers.

Property level protection would involve installing measures such as flood doors, water pumps, non-return valves and waterproof plastering to individual buildings.

Bewdley Mayor Councillor Calne Edginton-White, who chaired the meeting, said it was important for people in the town to work together to demonstrate the value of temporary barriers.

She said: “Property level protection is proceeding and the retention of temporary flood barriers does depend on us as a town having some community involvement, whether it is having wardens or people on flood watch.

“We are going to work with the Environment Agency on the deployment of the barriers so that we can have them for the next four years at least.

“Bewdley needs to work together on this as we understand most what happens during the floods.”

She added that people who want to volunteer to work with the Town Council and Flood Group can contact them at townclerk@bewdley.org.uk or by calling 01299 400157.