In a meeting today at County Hall with Croome Division Cllr Bob Bullock; Cllr John Smith (who has represented Worcestershire, Shropshire, Telford and the Wrekin on the Regional Flood Defence Committee) and Cllr Adrian Hardman, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cathy Garner, co-chair of Kempsey FLAG asked for at least £100,000 of financial support from the County Council.
The request to the County Council for funding was based on the strategic importance of the A38 within the County. The main road passes through Kempsey and is not only an important route for traffic in its own right, but is also an alternative route when the M5 is closed. The Fire Authority and the Police Authority have both written in support of the scheme, stating the importance of keeping the A road open as an emergency access route.
Cathy Garner, co-chair of Kempsey FLAG said, "On behalf of Kempsey FLAG, I was delighted by the positive indication of support from the County Council. The Environment Agency have emphasised the importance of receiving matched funding from other sources, and the indication of support from the County Council will be very helpful in securing support for the scheme at the Regional Flood Defence Committee."
Harriett Baldwin, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for West Worcestershire, who organised today's meeting said, "Kempsey FLAG has done an exemplary job in involving the community in Kempsey in fund-raising and gaining support from a wide range of organisations. I am delighted that the County Council is also willing to contribute to the scheme. I have also written to the Chief Executive of Severn Trent who has also indicated a willingness to help because of the location of the sewage treatment plant in Kempsey. I have also had discussions with Malvern Hills District Council who are providing support in kind."