16/01/2012 - Permalink

Flood information and insurance exhibition to be held in Shifnal

Related topics: Community

Shifnal residents living in homes which are at risk from flooding will be able to find out how to protect them and get help writing a personal flood plan at a special exhibition later this month (Tuesday 31 January 2012).

The exhibition will be held at Shifnal Village Hall between 3pm and 8pm.  Shropshire Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, Mary Dhonau OBE, Severn Trent Water and The Royal Life Saving Society UK, will all be on hand at the event to answer people’s questions.  Also, people will be able to listen to two presentations at 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

At the event people will be able to find out:

  • What their rights and responsibilities are
  • If their home has flooded before, whether they still get insurance
  • What communities can do to help protect their homes and possessions
  • How to stay safe near water
  • How the planning process works

Councillor Malcolm Price, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for flooding, said:

“At Shropshire Council we are happy to be involved in this important event in Shifnal.  It will give homeowners and Shropshire residents chance to question the experts over their flooding concerns.”

Stuart West, Shropshire Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford, said:

“This is an important event for Shifnal allowing local riparian owners and any Shropshire residents with concerns over flooding, a chance to talk to the experts.  I will personally be at the event discussing the forming of an emergency group in Shifnal, supported by all agencies and emergency services, preparing us for the future.”

Dan Trewin, community engagement officer for the Environment Agency, added:

“There are 80 properties at risk of flooding in Shifnal, but only five are signed up to our free flooding warning service. This event will help highlight the importance of preparing for flooding and help give local people the information and tools they need to do so.”

Mary Dhonau OBE, Chief Executive of the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign, added:

“I encourage everyone at risk of being flooded to come along to the event and see how they can take moves to protect their homes from being flooded, find out about the future of flood insurance and generally get up to date with all things flooding.”

There will also be presentations, including an interview with the Association of British Insurers, life support demonstrations and a selection of flood protection products on display.

For further information, people should call Shropshire Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0345 678 9006 or email flood@shropshire.gov.uk

For more information about flood risk people can call 0845 088 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands