Flood defence cost must be slashed (From Worcester News)

Flood defence cost must be slashed

1:30am Thursday 12th February 2009 in Search

LEADERS of a flood action group are trying to bring down the cost of the proposals for £1.45 million flood defences for Kempsey.

Leaders of the Kempsey Flood Action Group (FLAG) are working on ways to reduce the cost of plans for a flood embankment at Church Meadows in the village to protect the village from the River Severn and Hatfield Brook.

A funding group within the organisation is now working on securing funding from villagers, Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council to support the Environment Agency project.

Chairman Catherine Garner said she now wanted as many people as possible to become “friends” of FLAG and help with fund-raising to secure the defences for the village which has suffered 23 floods in the last 30 years.

Around 536 people have already indicated support for FLAG in a petition, she said.

She added: “Since the group formed we have been very busy and the community has totally come together. We really need match funding and to make partnerships with those affected.”

The scheme did not get approval at the last month when Environment Agency chiefs gave the go ahead for £2.7 million worth of flood alleviation schemes at Pershore, Powick, Uckinghall and Broadway.

Those who wish to join FLAG as friends should contact the treasurer on 01905 820969 or email friend@kempseyflag.info