Upton Temporary Flood Barrier Trials Hailed As Success

9.30.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 1st Oct 2006

Richard Burt (left) is shown the completed barriers outside The Swan at Upton by Environment Agency Operations Team Leader, Pat Hayes (centre) and Project Manager, Lindsay Harper (right).

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt, hailed temporary flood barrier trials at Upton upon Severn a great success after watching a 'dry run' in the town last Thursday [28 September].

Teams from the Environment Agency worked all morning to erect the barriers along the river front to make sure that there would be no hitches when they were needed in earnest.

Richard Burt said: "This is just what Upton needed and is great news for the town. Owners of riverside properties and businesses can now face the future with confidence and need no longer live in fear of flooding ruining their homes and livelihoods.

"The whole operation ran very smoothly, and I have been assured barriers could be fully erected on site within six to eight hours following the trial exercise, requiring three lorries to transport all the necessary equipment to the town.

"Highways Agency staff said how pleased they were with the cooperation of local residents in removing vehicles from the trial area and putting up with road closures during the day. The experience gained will benefit everyone concerned."