Richard Burt Visits Upton Flood Defences Exhibition

8.58.05am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Aug 2006

Richard Burt (left) discusses Upton's new flood defence plan with Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, Anthony Perry (right).

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt, visited the Memorial Hall in Upton upon Severn last week to see plans for the new temporary flood barriers that will be trialled this autumn.

Mr Burt had earlier received assurances from Anthony Perry, the Environment Agency's Area Flood Risk Manager, that trials for the temporary flood barriers in Upton will go ahead despite the announcement of nearly £15 million in cuts to the flood defences budget ordered by Government.

Richard said: "This is good news for Upton. The £150,000 Environment Agency project will bring welcome security for Upton residents and is greatly welcomed, avoiding any possibility of blight on flood affected properties and helping to keep insurance costs down in the future.

"Malvern Hills District Council will also be an active partner, working with the Environment Agency and others to ensure the success of the barriers when they are next needed to protect Upton from damaging floods.".