A STRATFORD flood warden says the town had a lucky escape from flooding during the weekend's storm as the Environment Agency has let people down.

Joan McFarlane said the electronic flood warning messages that should have been sent to properties at risk from the Avon bursting its banks had not been issued in some cases, causing confusion and panic as furniture and equipment had to be moved quickly.

District councillor McFarlane said it was "only by the grace of God" that people had been, so far, saved from a repeat of the Easter floods of 1998 but, nevertheless, the river situation was so serious the warnings should have been issued.

The area was battered by winds from 70 to over 100 miles per hour on Sunday and Monday, which caused chaos as more than 100 trees were ripped from their roots in just one night which also saw roads and railway lines close.

The gales were joined by torrential rain, which saw flood warnings issued on the Stour between Shipston and Clifford Chambers, the Arrow at Salford Priors and on parts of the Avon.

The Environment Agency uses an electronic automatic messaging service, which issues warning by fax, telephone or e-mail to householders immediately at risk from floods.

Coun McFarlane received her warning via e-mail on Monday but said that when she contacted the six properties she was responsible for, the majority had heard nothing from the Environment Agency.

"The Environment Agency has a responsibility to these poor people who were affected so badly in 1998 and it let them down," she said. "They were thankful that I had been in touch and had been able to move things in case the water came."

Oliver Blackburn of the Environment Agency's press office said all automated warnings for the Stratford area were issued, but admitted there were: "several reasons why someone may not receive one".

He added: "Obviously, we would be very concerned so if anyone has had problems receiving messages, they should contact us so we can check what is happening."