BEWDLEY flood victims have demanded the Government takes a fresh look at river management and whether dredging should be used to stem the tides that have swamped their homes twice this winter.

In face to face talks with Flood Minister Elliott Morley, arranged on Monday by Wyre Forest MP David Lock and lasting more than an hour, leaders of Bewdley Flood Committee asked for a full study of the River Severn upstream and downstream of Bewdley.

Chairman Peter Barnett was among a small delegation from Bewdley invited to join with other key people involved in Britain's latest flood emergencies to a reception at 10, Downing Street.

Also invited was Gillian Holland, a Bewdley flood victim who managed to speak at length to Prime Minister Tony Blair as he viewed last November's floods from Bewdley Bridge, and John Iles who has helped to run a flood emergency centre at the Baptist Church.

Mr Barnett said: "We were impressed with the Minister's willingness to listen to us and his commitment to finding solutions for Bewdley and the rest of the River Severn catchment area."

The group was assured the town would be kept informed on work now underway on the quay at Severnside North to test whether demountable defences would be feasible.

Mr Barnett said the Minister also promised to give "positive attention" to his questions on whether householders could be given grants to help pay to "flood-proof" their homes using barriers, pumps and better plastering techniques.

He said a public meeting would be held early in February to hear answers to questions.