A SPECIAL awareness-raising event is being held to mark ten years since the terrible floods which devastated parts of the Malvern Hills district.
Malvern Hills District Council has joined forces with the Flood Advisory Service and a number of other organisations to host the Community Responders Day tomorrow (Friday) by the riverside near the Kings Head pub in Upton-upon-Severn.
Upton was particularly affected by the floods in July 2007.
Since then a range of actions have taken place to reduce the risk of such an even happening again, including the installation of permanent flood barriers.
Residents, from across the district, are invited to come along between 12pm and 6pm to meet the services which supported the area during the dreadful period and share their memories and experiences.
They will also be able to learn more about the impact of flooding, if their property is at risk and explore measures available to help them protect their property.
Organisations taking part include UK Flood Barriers, Environment Agency, West Mercia Police, National Flood Forum, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Worcestershire County Council and Severn Trent.
A visual minutes artist will also be creating a non-permanent, illustrated record of the event on the town’s flood barriers.
Coun Bronwen Behan, portfolio holder for environment on Malvern Hills District Council, said:“None of us will forget the devastating impact the floods of 2007 had on both people’s lives and businesses.
“A lot of work has been done since then to reduce the risk of such an event ever happening again, but there is always more to do. I’d urge people to attend this event and find out more about flooding and what they can do to help protect themselves and their property.”
Sarah Marriott, managing director of the Flood Advisory Service, added: “The Flood Advisory Service is delighted to be supporting Malvern Hills District Council in organising this important event to mark the tenth anniversary of the devastating floods of July 2007.
“Whilst the UK is currently enjoying a spell of fine weather, we urge communities to be flood aware, with preparation and knowledge being key to successful flood risk management.”
