A JET ski is set to patrol the River Severn in Upton after tens of thousands of pounds was pumped into a rescue service’s efforts to keep people safe in the town.
Funding for the £30,000 craft was allocated after Prime Minister David Cameron visited Upton-upon-Severn during the floods 18 months ago.
Mr Cameron met with volunteers and pledged to offer further assistance to groups who were instrumental in helping the local community during the crisis.
Funds were awarded to the Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) team who identified an adapted jet ski – called a Rescue Runner – which will be survey the River Severn.
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, was on hand to launch the new craft and celebrate with members of the group, who have also been given money to train volunteers.
“We are all enormously grateful for the efforts of voluntary groups like MISAR who have worked so hard to protect the community in times of crisis,” she said.
“During his visit, the Prime Minister asked me to identify groups who had been active helping the community and he pledged to allocate funds to help them.
“This pledge was carried out and it was marvellous to be asked to formally launch the new craft in Upton.”
She added: “This will be an extremely useful resource to help keep the river safe throughout the year and I am told that it has already played an important role patrolling the riverbanks.
“Although we have spent millions of pounds protecting homes and businesses in Upton from floods, some local communities will always be at risk so it is reassuring to know that our rescue teams are well-equipped when the rains do return.”
