Pressure mounted for long-term action to reduce flooding and protect properties as Bewdley homes became awash this week for the second time in just over a month.

By yesterday the Environment Agency was forecasting flooding in Bewdley today could reach levels as high as they were in the major flooding catastrophe of four weeks ago. Dave Hyde of the Environment Agency lays sand bags in Load Street.

If the worst forecasts of 5.6 metres above normal river levels are reached at the predicted peak late this afternoon or early evening, it is feared up to 80 properties will be affected. The high levels are expected to remain for about six hours.

Defensive measures by combined services swung into action earlier this week with the distribution of sandbags by Wyre Forest District Council, a re-opening of the local volunteer information service at the Baptist Church in High Street and action by police to close the Bewdley Bridge area and The Switchback.

Wyre Forest MP David Lock said he was seeking assurances from Government flooding Minister Elliot Morley of early action on national flood protection measures. "What we need is a quick decision and for them to get on with the work in time for next winter," he said.

Chairman of Bewdley Residents Flood Committee Peter Barnett said he had listed a series of priorities at a special meeting on flooding with the county council.

These included action on managing the river by weirs, dredging and other means.

Residents also wanted insurance problems to be tackled and Severn Trent to do work to reduce sewage leaks.