AN INSPIRING Halesowen couple have been praised in the House of Commons for their work leading a community group to fight against flooding.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris highlighted the work done by Ruth and Claude Mosseri, and other members of the Illey Brook Flood Committee, during a parliamentary debate on additional Government spending to reduce the risk of flooding.

The MP commended the work done by the committee, bringing together Dudley Council, the Environment Agency and the local community to find ways of managing and monitoring water levels.

The group has also campaigned for new rules to make it possible for residents in flood-affected areas to obtain affordable flood insurance.

Speaking after the debate on managing flood risk, James Morris said: “The fact that, despite record levels of rainfall, Halesowen has so far avoided a repeat of the terrible flooding that we saw in 2007 and 2008 is largely down to the incredible work done by the Illey Brook Flood Committee and by volunteers on the Grange Crescent estate.

“Without people like Ruth and Claude, highlighting local problems that raise the risk of flooding and working tirelessly with public authorities to get action taken that has helped to protect people’s homes.

He added: “I have highlighted the work done by Halesowen residents in meetings that I have had with Ministers to call for a fairer deal for people living in flood-affected areas, but wanted to make sure the whole House of Commons was made aware of Ruth and Claude’s vital efforts.”

The couple set up the group after their home was devastated by flood water in the 2008 floods.

In the latest Illey Brook Flood Committee newsletter the group revealed the Environment Agency was set to instal high-tech cameras and sensors to monitor water levels in a bid to prevent a repeat of the 2008 floods.