THE effectiveness of flood protection measures in villages near Droitwich Spa will be put in the spotlight.

Councillor for the Bowbrook ward of Wychavon District Council, Margaret Rowley, is set to visit villages in the area to talk to residents and business people.

The visit by Coun Rowley will take place on Wednesday, January 29 as part of the council's Connecting with Communities scheme.

By getting a better understanding of their wards, councillors and officers are able to work with the same residents and businesses in order to find the best solutions and provide the best services and advice.

As appropriate given the recent wet weather, the visit will have a watery theme. Councillor Rowley will be visiting businesses such as Brookline Narrow Boat Holidays at Dunhampstead Wharf, seeing how the recently completed flood alleviation works in Tibberton have been coping, and talking to residents in the ward who have recently been hit by flooding.

The visit will start at Tibberton from 9am to 11.15am, Dunhampstead from 11.30am to 1.15pm, Shell and Himbleton from 1.30pm to 3.15pm and Lower Crowle from 3.30pm to 4.15pm.

Coun Rowley said: “The visits will provide us with an opportunity to see in action the recently completed flood alleviation scheme in Tibberton that was funded and is managed by Wychavon District Council, with contributions from Tibberton Parish Council. We’ll also be able to meet residents affected by flooding elsewhere in the ward and offer advice about the measures they can take to protect their properties.”

Councillor Rowley added: “But it’s not all about floods and flooding, as we discovered on last year’s event, when we visited a number of small businesses in the ward. I was impressed by the diversity of the enterprises and it was pleasing to see that most were doing well and optimistic for the future.”

To see which wards are next on the programme go to wychavon.gov.uk/connecting.