A BEWDLEY artist has unveiled his latest painting in his whimsically themed Bewdley Ducks series, in support of the recently formed Wribbenhall Residents’ Flood Committee.

Nick Ashby’s painting humorously depicts the ducks holding back the flood waters on the River Severn at Bewdley.

In September 2014, the Environment Agency announced its intention to cease deployment of the demountable barriers to the Wribbenhall side of the river from 2017. The barriers have provided vital protection during the seven-year trial period to the properties on this side of the river and have proved to be a successful solution.

Mr Ashby said: “The withdrawal of the funding for the flood defences around Beales Corner is a cause of much concern for many residents, not to mention the disruption to Bewdley’s town people when the road is closed due to flooding.

“The flood defences is an idea I had for a Bewdley Ducks painting, but by incorporating the ‘Beales Corner Boys’ flagging up the Campaign for Beales Corner Flood Defences, I hope the picture will help heighten awareness to the disastrous consequences of not providing protection in this area.”

Irene Buxton, chair of the Wribbenhall Residents’ Flood Committee, said: “We cannot see the sense in taking away this level of protection, leaving many households, including families and our many vulnerable elderly residents, exposed to flood water and sewerage risks.

“The alternative proposed – to provide so-called property level protection – would, according to the Environment Agency’s own report, result in the road this side of the river being blocked with flood water and residents being under siege in their own homes.”