11:57am Thursday 9th July 2009
By Richard Vernalls
FLOOD campaigners have won another victory in a bid to get defences to protect their village after the county council agreed to pledge cash for the scheme.
Kempsey’s Flood Action Group (FLAG) has managed to secure an offer of more than £50,000, subject to ratification, and guarenteed support from Worcestershire County Council for the scheme.
Campaigners had been pushing for support head of a key meeting of the Government’s regional flood defence commitee in September. Committee members will study costs, evidence of flood damage and feasibility before deciding whether the scheme should go ahead.
The £1.4 million scheme was turned down in January, following the defence committee’s last meeting.
More than 180 village homes were flooded in the summer storms of 2007.
FLAG have raised more than £3,000 through towards the estimated cost of the project through community fund-raisers including the recent live music concert, Bund Aid.
Cathy Oram-Garner, FLAG chairman, county councillor Bob Bullock, Adrian Hardman, the county’s finance chief and regional flood defence committee representative councillor John Smith, met to thrash out how much money could be pledged.
It is understood the pledge would be more than £50,000, subject to ratification between the head of highways Derek Prodger, coun Hardman and senior officers at County Hall.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/trade_directory/