"We cannot ignore this" - Extinction Rebellion protest in Worcester during worst flooding in over a decade

However, Worcestershire County Council said protecting the environment is a key part of its corporate plan.

Worcestershire Extinction Rebellion groups joined forces to protest by the floods and closed roads in the city centre last week.

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A co-ordinator from Worcester Extinction Rebellion said: “We protested in the city last week as we felt it was an opportunity for people to see first hand the deadly effects of climate change. When it is affecting people’s homes, businesses and lives directly - it seems to make people realise that climate change is a real thing ad it requires direct action.

“We want our county council to declare a climate emergency, we cannot ignore the fact that these floods are a consequence of climate change.

“We are urging the county council to declare a climate emergency in Worcester. This extreme weather is just the beginning.”

This comes after flood campaigner, Mary Dhonau warned the flooding seen across the city could become ‘the norm’ unless people recognise a climate emergency.

She said: “The longevity of these floods and also the fact that they keep returning is quite alarming to me.

“We are currently in a climate emergency, I fear this kind of winter flooding will soon be the norm.”

Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member with responsibility for the Environment, said: “Protecting the Environment is a key part of our corporate plan, Shaping Worcestershire’s Future. In the recent budget announcement, we have committed to planting 150,000 trees, switching more of our streetlights to LED lighting to reduce energy demand and to purchasing 100% green electricity from 1st April 2020.

“These actions are helping us to continue our journey towards becoming net zero and supporting the Worcestershire environment.”