BUSINEESES in Tenbury still struggling to cope with the aftermath of flooding will be able to get answers to vital questions about the future at a virtual conference tomorrow.

It is being organised by Malvern Hills District Council and the National Flood Forum.

Tenbury was the worse affected town in the area when Storm Dennis struck in February.

This is because unlike many other towns like Bewdley and Upton-on-Seven, Tenbury has not been able to build a flood defence scheme.

Many businesses have still not been able to reopen, partly because the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the start of repair work.

This means that even if the all clear is given in the coming weeks to move out of lockdown many businesses in the town will not be able to reopen and are set to lose the vital summer holiday season.

Residents and businesses devastated by February’s severe flooding have been told they ‘have not been forgotten’ by the leader of Malvern Hills District Council.

Cllr Sarah Rouse has promised helping residents and businesses recover and building future resilience to events like Storm Dennis remains one of the council’s top priorities, despite the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Some 200 properties and more than 100 businesses across the district were flooded following heavy rainfall on February 15 and 16. The majority were in the Tenbury area.

Following the event, Malvern Hills District Council pledged a £100,000 fund to support flood-related recovery projects and Cllr Rouse has renewed that commitment.

“While the response to the Covid-19 outbreak has been our immediate focus in recent months, we want all those affected by flooding to know we have not forgotten you,” said Cllr Rouse.

“As we begin to plan our recovery from the initial phase of the Covid-19 outbreak, supporting flood hit communities, improving flood defences and flood resilience will be at the top of our to do list. “

The council is also supporting virtual roadshows being held by the National Flood Forum, offering help, advice and support sessions to those affected by flooding.

In Tenbury traders will be looking for answers as to how they can get further financial support and what is being done to secure a long-term solution.

Anyone wanting to attend one of the virtual sessions needs to book a slot by calling the National Flood Forum on 01299 403101.