West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today confirmed flood defence plans are on track for planning applications this year and commencement next year. The MP met with the Environment Agency and said she was ‘pleased’ with the news of progress on scheduled work in the County. She confirmed that further investigations into recent land slippage in Upton were not believed to be serious and won’t affect the planned works. Harriett said: “I had a productive meeting with the new Regional Manager for the Environment Agency in order to stress the importance of keeping the flood defence work on track. Work in Pershore has already started. I expect work in Upton, Kempsey, Uckinghall and Powick to be started next Spring. “Funding is in place for all these schemes, although the Uckinghall scheme will need to apply for more funding at the September Regional Flood Defence Committee meeting. “I was also briefed on the news of an x-ray taken of the recent land slippage by the Swan pub but told that it is not impossibly serious and won’t impact on the overall plans.” Harriett is also joining the All Party Parliamentary Group on Flood Defences. Harriett added: “It’s easy to let flood defence plans slip during hot, dry summers but we cannot lose sight of this vital work to protect people’s homes and businesses.”