Environment Agency slammed for 'useless' flood defences

The 18th Century pub only reopened last July after a complete renovation

A pub landlord is calling for urgent action from the Environment Agency [EA] after its "useless" flood defences failed to protect her property.

Ellie Richardson, owner of the Haw Bridge Inn, in Tirley, near Tewkesbury, said the pub was submerged in 2ft [0.6m] of dirty water.

She believes higher flood gates and dredging the River Severn could help reduce the risk of flooding.

The EA said: "It's not possible to stop all communities from flooding".

Despite urging the Environment Agency to install higher flood gates and repair their defective pumps, Ms Richardson was told it was "not viable".

She had installed eight metal pumps of her own in anticipation of heavy rainfall, but said it was still not enough.

"We are the forgotten hamlet," Ms Richardson said.

"Because they can't get to us when the flood water is high, they think we don't need them- but that's rubbish."

Ms Richardson said she was "shocked" and "scared" when the murky water began surging through the pub

Ms Richardson had previously asked the EA for three flood defence panels to be installed on the doors, but they only provided two.

They also provided five plastic pumps, which were ineffective against the volume of water.

"Suddenly the water came over the flood gates and I couldn't hold it back, even with eight pumps working," she said.

"I blame the Environmental Agency for the losses I've incurred, not because it's flooded, but because of the inadequacy of the gates.

"I'm coping, other people aren't. They are mentally and physically affected and their homes are being destroyed."

The pub landlord said dredging the River Severn would help to remove silt from the river bed, allowing more water to flow through the channel without bursting its banks.

Ms Richardson says the Environment Agency must take action to combat the flood risk in Tirley

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We are aware of the level of flood risk at Tirley.

"Unfortunately it is not possible to stop all communities from flooding.

"We fully realise and sympathise that all flooding issues are devastating and upsetting for all those involved.

"For this reason we have offered Property Flood Resilience measures to communities in the local area and have worked with communities to help them plan for flooding to minimise impacts."