In the aftermath of another devastating flood, Tenbury Wells, a market town in Worcestershire, finds itself grappling with the repercussions of relentless climate change.
The town’s main street is covered in mud, with shattered shop windows and ruined stock left in the streets. Business owners are facing the harsh reality of financial loss, with some contemplating closing their doors for good.
Richard Sharman, who has run Garlands Flowers for seven years, shared his despair: “We’ve lost about £6,000, and we won’t get a penny back.
If we get flooded again, I’ll walk away, and the landlords can sue us.” This is the second flood in six weeks, and businesses like Sharman’s are struggling to recover.
Similarly, Laura Jones of Rainbow Crafts estimates a £30,000 loss in stock and damages, adding, “We’re talking about probably £25,000-£30,000 in damage. It’s going to become a ghost town.”
The situation worsened when a 57-year-old man drove a tractor at speed down the flooded street, sending a wave of water crashing into businesses and causing further destruction.
Shops in Tenbury Wells struggle to recover as flood damage piles up, with businesses facing irreparable losses.While the driver has apologized, this incident highlights the urgency of addressing the town’s chronic flooding issue.
Tenbury is particularly vulnerable due to its geographical location, surrounded by the River Teme and the Kyre Brook.
Flooding has become an almost annual occurrence, and experts predict the problem will intensify as climate change accelerates.
Dave Throup, a retired Environment Agency manager, warned, “Without flood defenses, the future looks very bleak.”
The government has pledged £2.4bn for flood resilience projects across the country, but the £30m required for Tenbury’s flood defenses remains a challenge.
The cost of these defenses has risen significantly, and securing the necessary funds is crucial to preventing further damage to the town.
As the floodwaters recede, locals are left questioning whether Tenbury Wells can survive the next deluge. For many, the prospect of another flood may be the final blow.