Wenlock Flood Fair

Local MP Philip Dunne attended the Much Wenlock Flood Fair last Saturday in his capacity as Chairman of the Much Wenlock Flood Forum.

The Flood Fair was organised by Shropshire Council to provide the opportunity for local residents to learn what work had been done by the Council and other agencies to map the scale and extent of Summer 2007 floods through the town. Other agencies were represented including the Environment Agency, Severn Trent, Shropshire Fire & Rescue, The National Flood Forum, Much Wenlock Town Council, Much Wenlock Flood Action Group, West Merica Police, Telford & Wrekin Council. Examples of practical measures residents could take to protect their properties from encroaching flood waters were on display.

Mr Dunne said: "There was a healthy turnout from many local residents throughout the day and much information was available to show the work which has been done so far to pin point the scale and extent of the surface water flooding problem in the Much Wenlock catchment.

We expect to hear this month whether the application to Defra for £100,000 to research engineering solutions is successful. Shropshire Council also confirmed that it has set aside some funds within the budget approved last week to help with this next phase."

Mr Dunne was presented with a copy of the emergency response plan Much Wenlock and District Community Flood Information, Prevention and Action Plan prepared by Much Wenlock Flood Action Group. He said: "This emergency response plan provides a very comprehensive handbook for relevant authorities and local people to act on should a flood warning occur. I have been pleased to add my support to this initiative and will encourage its adoption."

Photo: Wenlock Flood Action Group present Philip Dunne MP with the "Much Wenlock and District Community Flood Information, Prevention and Action Plan". Much Wenlock Councillor Milner Whiteman and local flood campaigner John Yeats with Philip Dunne MP