BEWDLEY'S flood defences were put to the test last week to ensure the town is prepared if they need to be called upon.

The Environment Agency along with partners from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Wyre Forest District Council and the community flood group successfully conducted a barrier deployment exercise on Stourport Road, in Bewdley, on November 16.

The exercise tested the barrier deployment plan and procedures, and the working arrangements with partners and the local community flood group. This ensures the barriers can be quickly and safely erected when needed during a flood - with minimum disruption to residents and businesses.

The exercise started at 9am and lasted until 3pm.

Environment Agency staff were on hand to talk to members of the public about the work they do during flooding and other times of the year and also how people can better protect themselves and their properties during times of flooding. Students from a local school were also given a tour of the barriers and shown how they are assembled - while also discussing the issues of flooding in the area.

Mark Bowers, flood risk manager, said: "This exercise allowed us to practice and test our barrier deployment plan for Bewdley, gaining valuable training experience with our partners as well as the opportunity to identify ways in which we can further refine our plans. This in turn will enable us to better respond during floods.

"Temporary barriers are just one of the ways we aim to better protect people and properties."

Nick Farress, town clerk for Bewdley Town Council, said: "The exercise was an opportunity to test the community flood plan and prepare our group of volunteers for the real thing. We are very grateful to the Environment Agency for organising the event and continuing to support the use of the temporary barrier.

"The community flood group, managed by the town council, is a vital resource in a flood event and is always in need of new volunteers, so I would encourage anyone who can help to get in touch with the town council."

Daryl Justice, Wyre Forest station commander, added: "Our involvement with the Bewdley Flood Barrier response is a new arrangement that will see our firefighters add even more value to the Wyre Forest community.

"When flooding is predicted our on-call firefighters will be given a period of notice which will minimise the impact on their primary employment and, although deployed under the direction of the EA, they will remain available for life threatening emergencies.

"This is one of the first initiatives of its type in the UK and is a great example of how fire crews can add value in other areas. It also supports Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's wider vision of 'Saving More Lives'."

Residents can check their flood risk and find out what they can do to protect themselves and their property, by visiting flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk.