Flood aid for football club

Vital work to shore up an eroded riverbank threatening to pull Bewdley Town FC's pitch into the River Severn is set to take place after funding was agreed.

Worcestershire County Council has agreed to pay more than £40,000 for the work after a large stretch of the bank collapsed during heavy rainfall last month.

It caused the river to creep within a few metres of the Riverside Meadows ground.

Officials of the West Midlands League Premier Division club have been watching the river creep closer to their playing field and fear further erosion could see the pitch disappear into the water.

But Councillor Stephen Clee said: "It looks like we will not be able to get workmen on the site with heavy plant and machinery to help shore up this riverbank within the next two weeks.

"This will be a massive infrastructure job but I am pleased this will be able to go ahead."

Talks are taking place between officials and the Birmingham Anglers Society, whose members fish from the riverbank, to see if they are willing to provide funding towards the scheme.

Councillor Clee said: "The council will be using funds from money given to alleviate problems causing by flooding. We are holding very positive talks with the Anglers Society who are keen to help because their members who fish from the riverbank are finding themselves almost having to sit in the middle of a field."

Birmingham Anglers Association secretary John Williams said: "Provided the work is done sensitively and provided we know that our interests are protected we have said we would consider whether to contribute to the cost. As yet we have not been told the cost."

Bewdley Town chairman Geoff Edwards said: "I am not yet certain when work is due to start but I understand the council's cash has to be spent by April 1."