Lack of action by the local authorities in shoring up the bank meant that when the second flood followed a few days later, the wall foundations were undermined and the 'float foundation' of the newly refurbished toilets were washed out causing the toilets to subside.
Although the toilets were not damaged, the local authorities decided that it would be easier and cheaper to demolish them rather than try to jack them up a save them.
Due to the very strong construction of the toilets, heavy equipment was used to carryout the demolition which caused considerable further damage to the structure of the bank.
Months of confusion followed as none of the authorities wanted to take responsibility for the site. The wall was the responsibility of the County Council as it protected the road. The toilets were the responsibility of the District Council. Anything affecting the water course is the responsibility of the Environment Agency, and the Town Council take a view on all things local.
Finally after many delays including a plan to culvert the brook (which was against Environment Agency policy) and a replacement plan which meant the road would be closed for more than 6 months, effectively cutting Tenbury in two and more than likely to kill off the Town as a shopping destination, the County Council put the work out for tender.More delays followed whilst contractors submitted their estimates and project plans.
Now more than 12 months later the work to replace the wall has only just started. The work was expected to be completed by Christmas but this is now in doubt as the latest flood has washed away the wooden form-work and has more than likely made the site unstable. Depending on what has been washed away, there is a possibility that the road may have been further damaged.
Tenbury Wells was flooded three times in Summer 2007
25th June at approx. 18.00 hrs
17th July at approx. 14.45 hrs
20th July at approx. 18.00 hrs
and now September 5th at approx. 18.00 hrs
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