Tenbury 'at risk' over floods insurance snub

Robert Perrin says the Pump House, pictured, will not having flooding insurance from October

Flooding insurance for buildings across the town of Tenbury Wells has been refused, a council said.

The town council said Zurich Municipal Insurance had refused to renew their policy for heritage assets like The Regal, The Pump Rooms and Tenbury Pavilion.

From October 1, there will be no flood insurance in place for all council buildings. Last year, a wall in the Worcestershire town collapsed from the force of floodwater from Kyre Brook during Storm Burt, affecting homes and businesses.

The council is now pressing the government to try and intervene and offer a solution in time for the winter. Zurich said it continued to work with the council to find a solution.

The council said the company cited the volume of historic claims, and the likelihood of future flooding events, in refusing to renew the policy.

Robert Perrin, mayor of Tenbury, said: "Flooding is one of the greatest risks facing Tenbury - this leaves important council assets exposed."

In recent months they have tried to get a deal with other insurers, but only managed to secure one quote for an "unaffordable" £170,000 per year.

"Basically, in blunt terms Zurich has walked away from us," Perrin said.

"I'm extremely concerned because this is a lovely town, everyone here works hard.

"We've got a major problem on our hands - some of these buildings are historic, listed buildings that cost a lot of money anyway.

"We did not anticipate this, it came as a real surprise - it may well be that (going forward), we have all these buildings that are not insured against flood damage.

"It leaves us feeling vulnerable and at risk."

An aerial photo showing some cars partly submerged in muddy water, and water covering the footpaths.

Work to improve flooding resilience in the town is ongoing - including the installation of "flood resistant doors or door barriers" to some properties, the Environment Agency said.

A spokesperson for Zurich said: "We're aware of the devastating impact flooding has had in Tenbury in recent years, and how necessary robust flood defences are to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents.

"The existing flood insurance for the council expired on 1 April but Zurich has twice agreed to extend it, to 1 October, to allow for efforts to take place to improve the flood resilience of the area.

"We continue to work with the council to find a solution for flood cover, offering guidance on the preventative measures needed in order to protect the town from almost certain flooding."