RESIDENTS of Bewdley are being invited to two drop-in sessions hosted by the Environment Agency (EA) to discuss the town’s future flood management.

The meetings will take place on Wednesday, October 1, between 2pm and 7pm at Wribbenhall Parish Rooms and on Tuesday, October 14, between 3pm and 8pm at St George’s Hall.

The EA is due to provide the town with property level protection (PLP) as “the only technical, environmental and publicly-funded viable option”.

Mayor of Bewdley, Derek Killingworth, said he is concerned that cost may have been put before public safety.

“We have been waiting for some time for a definitive report from the EA as to the temporary defences on the Wribbenhall side of the town and it has now been received,” he said.

“I am concerned as to whether or not sufficient thought has been given as to closure of the bridge as, when closed, it causes Wribbenhall to be cut off from the town and thereby denies public access to the Post Office and other shops.

“The scheme is not to be in place until 2017 and I feel further meeting with the EA, the town council and public will be needed.

“However, I do urge the public to attend one of the meetings.”

For more information visit facebook.com/bewdleytowncouncil or to read the town council flooding document visit bewdleytowncouncil.org/bewdley-flood-news