Contact centre battles on

Droitwich Community Contact Centre, despite the terrible flooding suffered over the weekend, is battling on to continue to provide a service.

Wychavon staff, although unable to open the building to the public, are offering advice and support on the street side.

Amanda de Warr, Wychavon District Council said “Our staff are in high spirits and are keen to continue providing a service to local people. We can offer people advice on the clean up, insurance and contact details for other agencies.”

Currently staff can take payments to the council but only if customers have no other means of making their payments. If customer can send cheques, make payments online or on the telephone payments line it will go through more quickly.

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Broadway open for business

The beautiful Worcestershire village of Broadway has been particularly badly hit by incorrect messages about power and water supply.

The village, that relies heavily on tourism, has already seen cancellations in bed and breakfasts from people who believe it is inaccessible and out of water and electricity.

The message from the village is that they’re open for business and Wychavon District Council are encouraging people not to cancel their breaks to the popular tourist spot.

Phil Merrick, Head of Community Services said “B&B’s have already been in touch with us regarding cancelled bookings and we must learn the lessons from foot and mouth and get messages out to tourists that the village and much of the surrounding area is open for business.

Many of the businesses in this popular tourist destination rely on tourist for their income, so please don’t stop visiting, they need tourists to get back on their feet.”

British Red Cross National Floods Appeal

The British Red Cross has this morning launched an appeal in support of the communities affected by recent floods throughout the UK.

Funds may be used to support individuals in hardship, support community recovery activities, local appeals and community groups. We shall work in partnership with local, regional and national government and other agencies to maximise the impact of this unprecedented national appeal. The appeal will cover flooding events throughout the UK and include events preceeding the appeal launch, events in progress and events occurring within a reasonable period following the launch of this appeal. 
 
For more details or to make a donation visit the British Red Cross National Floods Appeal website or call 0845 054 7200.

Wychavon’s water is safe

Wychavon District Council are sending a message to residents to say that their water supply is safe and are asking residents not to panic buy bottled water.

All areas in Wychavon have now got water apart from Bredon’s Hardwick where Wychavon are working hard with Severn Trent to resolve the issue. Anyone in that area that knows of someone who is struggling or who is vulnerable should contact us – 01386 565018.

Steve Jorden, Head of Environmental Services said “It is really important that people don’t panic buy water – I am reliably informed that apart from Bredon’s Hardwick all areas of the Wychavon district’s water is safe and won’t be cut off.”

Flood Advice

If you have experienced floods like those below, visit our Flood Advice for Residents or Flood Advice for Businesses pages.

Party in the Park Cancelled

The Party in the Park scheduled for tomorrow (26th July) in Evesham’s Abbey Park has been cancelled due to severe flooding. For details on other events during the schools holidays visit our Summer Events page.

Flood Helpline

We have set up a dedicated phone line for Flood related calls on 01386 565018.

Water Supply Update

There is no water supply problem in Worcestershire other than at Bredon and Bredon’s Norton.

Worcestershire’s water supply is from a different source and has nothing to do with the problems in Gloucestershire. Therefore there is no need to panic by bottled water.

Properties in Bredon and Bredon’s Norton that are now receiving drinking water, after being without, are being advised that for the first 48 hours all water must be boiled before consuming.

Pershore Leisure Centre Flooded

Free car parking and waived rates

Free parking throughout Wychavon will come into operation at 6pm tonight until midnight Sunday (29^th) to help bring trade back to flooded towns and villages.

Wychavon DC are also waiving business rates for those directly affected by the recent flooding for up to 3 months.

As far as possible town centres are open in Droitwich, Pershore, Evesham and Broadway.

Vic Allison, Deputy Managing Director said: “We’re doing everything we can to help residents and businesses to recover from the flooding. We hope that waiving parking and buisness rates for a time will support trade in our town centres.”

Michael Amies, Chairman of Pershore Market Town Partnership said: “All the shopkeepers are making strenuous efforts to carry on running their businesses as best they can. It is clear that this is very much appreciated and that the community as a whole has responded magnificently to the crisis. Wychavon Officers have been everywhere giving physical help and valuable advice throughout the last four days and many householders have had their homes saved by their initiative.”

David Noyes, Chair of Evesham Market Town Partnership said: “Despite being severely hit by recent floods businesses are pulling together, keeping shops and businesses open for the many residents who need the local services.”

Joe Ling, Droitwich Town Centre Manager said: “I am really impressed with the huge resolve and positive attitude of traders and businesses. We hope to get Droitwich back on its feet quickly and The Salt Day will be held unchanged on Saturday 15th September – even bigger and better than before.”

Wychavon will also be doing some work with national media to help Broadway, which has been particularly badly hit by incorrect messages about power and water supply. The village, that relies heavily on tourism, has already seen cancellations in bed and breakfasts from people who believe it is inaccessible and out of water and electricity. The message from the village is that they’re open for business and Wychavon are encouraging people not to cancel their breaks to the popular tourist spot.