West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for innovative thinking to try and fix the problem of flooding along the Hanley Road in Upton-upon-Severn.

The MP met with Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos and council officers to get a briefing on proposals to mitigate the impact of regular flooding along the main road.

The Ryall Road was raised in 2019 as part of a £4 million project to improve flood resilience but the road connecting the town and Hanley Castle High School remains at risk.

Harriett called on the council to look at innovative solutions to try help to keep this road open. Current plans to raise the road have been ruled out as infeasible because of the impact this may have on the town’s current flood defences and buildings alongside the road.

Harriett commented:

“The road alongside Upton Marina was raised three years ago and it has made a huge difference to local people and the businesses based in the town. The Bluebell Farm roundabout is also progressing well.

“Next on my list is protecting the Hanley Road and I have pressed the council to look more creatively at solutions which could now be used to protect road between Hanley Castle and the town.

“The biggest impact during times of flooding is on the school and I am pleased that the county council has agreed to commit to keeping the shuttle bus service running whenever possible.

“The road raising looks to be difficult to deliver but having chatted to officers I am convinced that other solutions could be considered. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one and hopefully the county council can come up with a fresh approach.”