West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed confirmation the county council will support the long-awaited Severn Stoke flood defence scheme scheduled to start work later this year.

The flood defences and road improvements will protect homes and the vital A38 road link between Worcester and the M5.

Harriett has campaigned for a permanent scheme for nearly ten years and has worked with local residents and landowners to secure support for the project which will see a bund constructed to protect homes, the village hall, the historic St Denys church and the local pub.

Worcestershire County Council has confirmed that it is working with the Environment Agency and the local community to finalise the design with a target completion date next summer.

Harriett said: “The Severn Stoke flood defence scheme has been one of my long-standing ambitions and I’ve worked closely with the community and the Environment Agency to get a workable plan together.

“Worcestershire County Council is about to start work on a major scheme to improve the A38 road junction at Upton-upon-Severn so it makes sense to ensure that the road can stay open during times of heavy flooding just down the road at Severn Stoke.

“I am heartened by the news that the council has committed to a June target date for completion of this scheme and I eagerly await the final scheme designs.

“Flood protection for Severn Stoke and Tenbury Wells were two pledges in my last election campaign and I am pleased to see both of these schemes finally taking steps forward.”