Shropshire residents and businesses urged to share experience of 2022 floods to build case for flood protection
People in Shropshire are being urged to share their experience of flooding in the county.
This follows the latest devastating floods to hit Shropshire – for the third year running. Three of the five worst recorded flood events on the River Severn have been since 2020.
These have affected hundreds of people in the county, including in Bridgnorth, Clun, Ludlow, Melverley, Pentre and Shrewsbury.
A flooded home in Melverley – February 2022
Although Shropshire Council continues to work with the Government and Environment Agency on how this flooding can be addressed, it is important that these bodies understand the full scale of the impacts of this flooding, and provide communities with short, medium and long-term solutions.
A key element to support the council’s lobbying of the Government to allocate funds to the county will be evidencing the effect of flooding on residents, businesses and other organisations in Shropshire.
Bridgnorth flooding clean up – February 2022
The council estimates that 280 properties in Shropshire were affected by flooding in February 2022, although this may not capture the true impact of floods.
To do this, the council is encouraging all those who have suffered from flooding or have been impacted in other ways since 2020 to complete a short form to help it capture the true picture of how flooding affects the county. The form can be found here: www.shropshire.gov.uk/flooded and takes just a few minutes to complete.
For those without Internet access, the form can also be completed by calling 0345 678 9006 (8am-6pm Mondays to Fridays).
Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury flooding clean up – February 2022
People’s responses will support wider lobbying efforts to secure better help from the Government and Environment Agency for flood prevention measures in Shropshire.
Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:-
“I have spoken to so many people across Shropshire over the last week who are once again desperate for a stop to the annual cycle of misery that floods cause.
“We are lobbying the Government and Environment Agency hard, making the case for better flood defences for Shropshire.
“Having the most up-to-date information possible will be invaluable in making that case for Shropshire more strongly than ever, and reducing the risks of more people’s lives being ruined by floods.
“So, if you’ve been affected by flooding, tell us about it and help play your part in fighting for better protection for the people and businesses of Shropshire.”
