PEOPLE in Bewdley have had their first glimpse of how the multi-million pound flood barrier scheme will protect them should the River Severn burst its banks.

The foundations have been laid for "demountable" temporary metal barriers along Severnside North - and they were put up for the first time when Environment Agency staff tested them out on Monday. Environment Agency engineers test out the temporary flood barriers on Severnside North in Bewdley.

The barrier scheme is the first of its kind in the country although similar projects have proved successful in Germany.

It was first mooted following the November 2000 floods, the worst in Bewdley for 53 years, and was completed this month.

Preparatory work has been done ahead of the second phase - to protect Severnside South - which will begin next spring and end in 2004.

The barriers are being stored in Kidderminster and can be put up within a couple of hours in the event of a flood warning.

Meanwhile, three delegates from Bewdley were among 19 from across the Midlands invited to the Environment Agency's Regional Flood Symposium at its Solihull offices last week.

The event, on Thursday, September 12, saw the agency explain how it warns and forecasts flooding and how flooding can be alleviated.

Gill Holland, of the Bewdley-based National Flood Forum and Bewdley Residents' Flood Committee, said: "I feel the meeting was extremely valuable as an opportunity for an exchange of information.

"I hope the Midlands regional office will be able to set up further days like this to build co-operation between the agency and community action groups."

Monday also saw the launch of the Environment Agency's 2002 flood awareness campaign under the banner "Be Prepared For Flooding".