THERE will be a virtual forum for people in Tenbury still suffering the after effects of the flooding in February.

Tenbury was one of the worst affected towns during the flooding in autumn and winter.

Worcestershire County Council, the six district councils, the National Flood Forum, Severn Trent and the Environment Agency are keen to ensure that those affected are receiving all the help and support they need.

All partners are therefore hosting a number of support sessions tailored to focus on a specific part of Worcestershire.

Spaces are still available for the sessions for Tenbury and the Teme Valley on Friday, June 26.

Residents and business owners will be able to speak to representatives from the National Flood Forum, many of whom have flooded in the past themselves, about their experiences and get advice about issues such as insurance and property re-instatement.

Also, representatives from the county council, the district councils, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent will be available at the sessions to help with a wide range of other flooding issues.

“We’re painfully aware that recovery from flooding is a long and often traumatic and stressful process and we planned to ask the Forum to tour the county with their community support trailer during April,” said Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment, Councillor Tony Miller.

“However, the Covid-19 lockdown prevented this from happening and, at the same time, added to the existing difficulties being faced by those who were flooded. Therefore, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with the Forum and our other partners to develop and roll out these support sessions and I urge anyone who flooded during the autumn and winter to join them, share their experiences and get the advice and support they need.”

Dave Edwards, Partnership and Strategic Overview Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said the organisation is involved with the initiative.

“These sessions mean we can continue to work to protect the public and the environment,” said Mr Edwards.

The National Flood Forum, a national charity which is based in Bewdley, has been commissioned by the Worcestershire councils, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent to use its considerable expertise and experience of working with flooded communities to run and host the online sessions.

Anyone wishing to attend one of the sessions virtually needs to book a slot. This can be done by calling the National Flood Forum on 01299 403101. The Forum will then provide the joining details of the online sessions for each part of the county.

Advice on flooding and resilience issues can also be sought at any time by contacting the National Flood Forum Helpline on 01299 403055 or visiting www.floodforum.org.uk