MAJOR floods in Bewdley and Stourport for the second consecutive week have sparked action to guard against future havoc from climatic change.

A meeting tomorrow at Bewdley Baptist Church aims to rally a response that will ensure Bewdley gets its fair share of new Government funding for flood defences.

Worcestershire County Council has also urged everyone affected to take part in an extensive survey designed to bring in a slice of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's pledge of a £51 million boost to flood protection spending.

Calling tomorrow's meeting at 7.30pm Wyre Forest MP David Lock said: "We need to discuss how local residents want to protect their homes against increased risk of flooding.

"There are already plans to investigate whether it would be possible to install flood barriers.

"Is this the right way forward in the light of recent events? I have received different views from residents."

Mr Lock said the Environment Agency was looking for views and it was important to move fast in order not to lose the chance of benefiting from the fund.

"I hope everyone affected by floods will come to the meeting so we can test public opinion and understand how those who are directly affected wish us to react."

Meanwhile, county council policies officer John Williams has asked for anyone affected by the floods to contact him in order to help him draw up a 10-point action plan to send to the Government.

Among others less obviously affected in Bewdley, for instance, was Steve Madley, of The Mulberry Restaurant. Worried about his near-empty dining room, he said restaurants and other businesses in Bewdley were blighted by news of the floods which outsiders believed meant Bewdley was cut off.

But some specialist traders have received an unexpected boost from the crisis including Lewis's fishing tackle shops at Severnside South which took in two deliveries of waders and R.G.Timmis ironmonger's which sold scores of candles, batteries and gas lamps.

The plight of Bewdley people was spelled out to Prime Minister Tony Blair who was said by Mr Lock to have been "stunned" at the power of the river at the height of the floods on Thursday.

As Mr Blair viewed from the bridge the half-submerged houses of Severnside North, Wyre Forest District Council chairman John Gordon pleaded for urgent attention to insurance problems for flooded-out home owners.

He said he also hoped for more financial aid for local authorities in Worcestershire that were already so strapped for cash they were having to cut back on social service spending.

A special telephone number is to be issued for the county council flood assessment survey. Those interested can also make e-mail contact via jwilliams@worcestershire.gov.uk