Business Voice WM is calling for a more co-ordinated approach to flood prevention.

The lobbying group has warned the Government that problems three years in succession have hit the rural economy and cost jobs.

Now the organisation has written to Environment and Rural Affairs Minister James Paice asking him to take a fresh look at the issues involved.

Of particular concern are management of the rivers Severn, Tame and Wye and the attitude and approach of the Environment Agency.

Asking Mr Paice for a meeting, BVWM board member and National Farmers' Union regional director David Collier called for "co-ordinated action to reduce the flood risk in the West Midlands".

He stated: "The region's businesses were severely affected by flooding in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

"The impact of the flooding, combined with the downturn, caused severe economic difficulties to a range of businesses, particularly those located in rural areas."

Noting that the business sector had repeatedly urged the EA to take action, Mr Collier said it should operate in harness with local efforts, thereby ensuring a more efficient use of public funds.

Regular maintenance of watercourses helped reduce the impact of floods but in recent years the Agency had reduced and withdrawn its effort on some West Midlands watercourses. 

And the Agency should work closer with local authority land drainage officers.

Mr Collier went on: "We are seeking a joined-up and co-ordinated approach to flood risk from the Environment Agency and other partners.

"We all have a role to play in reducing flood risk and in ensuring that businesses are prepared. We would like to identify ways of improving communication between businesses and government. We also seek a supportive approach from the Environment Agency that enables businesses to help themselves. 

"Recent events have shown that flooding can lead to a serious impairment of the economy and impact on jobs. Therefore it is vital that flood risk management continues to be a top priority for government."