Have a say on flood scheme

Work will begin to install the foundations for removable flood barriers along Severnside South next spring or summer.

It will be the second phase of a project which has also seen work carried out on Severnside North and was started in response to the devastation caused by the November 2000 floods, the worst in the town for more than half a century.

The Environment Agency has issued a "scoping report" on the next phase which explains how the scheme will be designed, and how issues such as cultural heritage, protected species, parking and emergency access will be handled.

The report also offers residents the chance to comment while bodies such as councils, English Nature, English Heritage and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will need to approve the final plan.

Project manager Roger Prestwood said: "The report is an important part of our work to limit the impact of flooding on Bewdley because it will give us an insight on the effect the proposed system will have on different aspects of the town.

"Because of this, it is important that people let us know their views so we consider them when designs for the final scheme are being drawn up."

The Severnside South project is expected to be finished in about two years.

When it is complete, the scheme will give flood protection for the whole of Severnside North and South - from Dog Lane car park to the cricket ground downstream.

The scoping report can be viewed at Bewdley Library between 9am and 5am except Tuesdays, at the Guildhall between 9am and 2pm except Wednes-days, and Wyre Forest District Council's planning office at Land Oak House in Kiddermin-ster from 9.30am until 4pm weekdays.

It contains a form for comments and opinions. Responses are due tomorrow, although a spokesman said this was not a firm deadline.

Copies can be also be obtained on www. environment-agency .gov.uk under Regional Information - Midlands - Bewdley.