THE MP for Wyre Forest says the latest floods in Bewdley could "help the cause" to get more permanent defences installed sooner.

Homes were ravaged by floodwater on Friday night after temporary barriers at Beales Corner failed to keep the Severn at bay for the second time in less than 12 months.

Residents described the water gushing past the defences "like a tsunami" after the barriers gave way overnight - just 11 months after they were overtopped in the wake of Storm Dennis last February.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Flooding at Beales Corner. Picture Dave RobinsonFlooding at Beales Corner. Picture Dave Robinson

MP Mark Garnier said the effect on residents, many of whom had only just been able to return home after 2020's floods, was "heartbreaking".

£4.3 million plans for a more permanent solution at Beales Corner, which is likely to take the form of a glass-topped flood wall, were announced in November with an estimated completion date of 2024, but Mr Garnier said this weekend's events could help to bring the project forwards.

"I went down to Bewdley on Saturday and it was truly heartbreaking to see residents quite hysterical that their homes have been flooded once again," said Mr Garnier. "In many cases, they had only just been paid by the insurance companies from the last floods just before Christmas - now they will have to go through that whole process again.

"I have spoken to the county council and they are putting money aside for permanent defences in Bewdley. The challenge now is the length of time it takes to get i.

"I'm entirely happy that this process is moving forwards, but by November 2024, which is when this project is set to be completed, we could have had three more of these floods as it seems to be becoming an annual event.

"We're not sure yet why the barriers gave way and there will be an investigation into this so we make sure it doesn't happen again.

"This really highlights that these temporary barriers are not satisfactory – they may reduce the risk in one area but they do create dangers elsewhere.

"Ironically, this helps the cause to getting a permanent solution, and hopefully to get it done quicker."

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Mr Garnier said any plans for permanent defences will need to go through the planning process, which could be slowed down if they face objections.

The Environment Agency said a full review would be carried out to work out any further ways to minimise the risk of the temporary barriers being compromised in future.

A spokesman added: "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."