Survey work is due to begin on a permanent flood defence scheme for Severn Stoke, it was confirmed this week. Experts are due to visit the village later this month to carry out research to allow them to prepare a detailed plan to protect homes and businesses as well as the vital A38 road between Worcester and the M5. The exploratory work follows a meeting hosted by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin who brought together the Environment Agency, the local flood action group and landowners to discuss the latest plans. Harriett has also been working with Worcestershire County Council and Highways England to try and source materials to help build the flood bunds – and reduce the overall cost of the scheme. Harriett commented: “A few weeks ago, I gathered all the parties together to try and move this scheme forward and get agreement to develop a formal scheme. “There have been some complex negotiations because the flood scheme will need to cross private land but I hope that we have achieved a level of agreement to allow the Environment Agency to start their exploratory works. “The scheme will be very expensive to deliver so I have been meeting with various public bodies to try and source materials from the extensive construction work taking place across the county – both at housing developments and also the M5 and A4440 road schemes. “We are working together to try and find innovative ways to make this important scheme a reality.”