WESTON MP John Penrose has warned thousands of homes and businesses in Worle and St Georges are at risk of flooding from the Congresbury Yeo.

WESTON MP John Penrose has warned thousands of homes and businesses in Worle and St Georges are at risk of flooding from the Congresbury Yeo.

The area, which also includes Kewstoke, Wick St Lawrence and villages north of the river, is a designated a flood risk zone three area, the highest risk category.

Current defences only protect against a one in 10 year flood, not the recommended one in 200 year standard.

The Environment Agency did emergency work to protect against October high tides, but long term work has been put on hold due to a change of 'national priorities'.

Mr Penrose said: "I was shocked to learn the Environment Agency has abandoned the area to its fate.

"A few weeks ago I watched one of the highest tides of the year at Tutshill Sluice, when the water came to the very brim of the bank.

"Thankfully the weather was calm but a winter storm could mean the Yeo would burst its banks threatening thousands of local homes and businesses."

Mr Penrose has written tot eh EA demanding to know why they are faltering on the scheme and what measures they are talking to protect the area.

He is also contacting residents to make them aware of the danger.