Tenbury Wells faces abandonment due to repeated flooding

Tenbury Wells, a market town in Worcestershire, England, has been severely impacted by flooding, having experienced seven incidents in the last four years. The most recent flood occurred after a heavy rain deluge, leaving local businesses devastated and unable to recover. Business owners have reported substantial financial losses, with one stating he lost around £6,000 in the last incident alone. The repeated flooding events have left many shop owners unable to afford insurance, as the premiums have skyrocketed due to the frequency of the floods. The River Teme flows to the north, while the Kyre Brook contributes to flooding from the south. Because of this geographical situation, the town is particularly vulnerable, making recovery from each flood increasingly difficult. This ongoing situation has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the town, with experts suggesting it could potentially be abandoned without the implementation of adequate flood defenses. The failed history of securing funding for flood defenses has resulted in heightened anxiety among both residents and business owners, who fear they may not withstand future flooding. Given climate change's role in increasing rainfall patterns, local officials assert that more unpredictable and frequent flooding is expected, pushing residents to question the sustainability of their town.