The Robin Walker Column - Worcester's MP writes for the Observer - The Worcester Observer

The Robin Walker Column - Worcester's MP writes for the Observer

Worcester Editorial 20th Feb, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

THE TERRIBLE floods of the last couple of weeks have been a huge challenge for statutory and emergency services.

It is very easy to complain when things go wrong but the overwhelming reaction I have seen from constituents has been gratitude for what has been done right.

The twitter campaign @davethroupfans, which has received national newspaper coverage is only the most extreme example of this.

Last week I was able to attend one of the Silver Command meetings at County Hall and I was very impressed at the degree of coordination and the extent of goodwill between all the organisations working together to keep people safe, defend property and keep as much of Worcestershire as possible open for business.




The police, fire & rescue service, ambulance service, Environment Agency, county and district Councils were each playing their part calmly, professionally and with a great deal of understanding of the concerns facing both the public and the business community.

Beyond the now semi-legendary Dave Throup, local media outlets of all sorts have played an active role in keeping people informed.


The emergency services have been working around the clock and with the help of the Royal Irish Regiment, they have provided vital support and reassurance to people who would otherwise be cut off in the floods.

The County council highways team had to take tough decisions such as closing Worcester Bridge but were always determined to do whatever it took to get the city moving again and their bus shuttle service was a real success.

The Worcester BID played its part by promoting the “open for business” campaign and it was great to see the Mayor visiting local shops to press home that message.

Of course for those whose homes or businesses have been flooded this was still a horrible situation and they deserve all our support during the clear up and in getting back on their feet.

It was good to see the Prime Minister in Worcestershire earlier this week & both he and I must make sure that those worst affected get the help they need. Worcester can be very proud of the resilience it has shown in the face of the floods.

In the weeks to come we will need to debate how we can make the city even more resilient in future but for now I want to thank all those who contributed to what one constituent described as “Team Worcester against the floods.”

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