DEVASTATED residents in Bewdley are demanding answers as to when permanent flood barriers will be installed at Beales Corner after homes were flooded for the second time in less than 12 months.
Floodwater started gushing over the temporary barriers in the town "like a tsunami" on Friday night as the River Severn rose to near record levels.
During a visit in March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to "get Bewdley done", but 11 months on, neighbours are still waiting for more permanent defences to be put in place.
Some residents had only just got back on their feet after being forced out of their homes by flooding last year, and are now seeing their properties once again ravaged by floodwater.
Irene Buxton, 70, who lives close to the temporary barriers, said "it was like a tsunami" when they collapsed on Friday night.
She and husband Mick were forced to isolate in the upstairs of their home for 10 weeks after last year's floods, and this time used their own pumps and stayed up through the night to sweep away the floodwater as it seeped into their hallway and kitchen on Friday night.
Irene said: "I couldn't believe it when the barriers collapsed, it was like a tsunami coming towards the houses.
"It's all well and good saying they're looking at solutions for permanent barriers but we haven't got time for that. We needed them yesterday.
"It must cost the government thousands of pounds getting the temporary barriers up every time the river rises. Why not use that money on permanent barriers so nobody has to worry?
"There's no point putting the temporary ones up if they don't work.
"There's more rain expected this week so I'm just going to be staying upstairs until it's over."
Resident Dan Madden told Sky News that his stress levels were "through the roof" after his home was flooded for the second time, meaning he would be homeless for months while it was repaired.
"It took me years and years to buy a house in the town I love and it's flooded twice in two years," he said.
"I just hope Boris gets us the permanent barrier done."
In November, Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said a £4.3 million glass-panelled flood wall was among the plans being considered at Beales Corner - but it wouldn't be built until 2024.
At the weekend, Mr Garnier said the floods had caused a "horrible sense of déjà vu" and said it was his priority to "get Bewdley done quicker".
An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We know that flooding has a devastating impact on people’s lives and our thoughts are with those who have been flooded and those waiting to return to their homes.
"We are currently conducting a thorough investigation regarding the temporary barriers at Beales Corner, Bewdley.
"As with all flooding, following a full review, we will see if there is anything new we can adopt or do differently to minimise the risk of the temporary defence being compromised in the future.
"A business case is being developed for a flood defence scheme at Beales Corner to provide a higher standard of flood protection. We are currently looking at design options as part of this process."
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