West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has yet again pressed for further investment in permanent flood defences as homes and businesses deal with the aftermath of Storm Dennis.

Harriett has written to Environment Secretary George Eustice asking for an urgent meeting to discuss schemes already on the table to protect Tenbury Wells and the vital A38 link in Severn Stoke.

The MP has worked with both communities to develop schemes and will now be pressing the Department for the Environment to allocated funds from the £4 billion of extra money to back the two schemes still left unbuilt in West Worcestershire.

Harriett updated the Environment Secretary on Saturday as the worst of the weather hit the county and has been receiving detailed briefings from the Environment Agency and the emergency services throughout the crisis.

She also spoke to Malvern Hills District Council’s chief executive, Jack Hegarty, to assess what funding will be available to local people and business owners through local councils as the waters subside along the rivers Teme and Severn.

Harriett commented: “When this unprecedented flood subsides and travel becomes easier, I will be visiting the affected communities.

“Flooding will always be a threat as many of us live close to three major rivers – the Teme, the Severn and the Avon and we have seen major investment in flood defences, like the wall and gate in Upton-upon-Severn and the scheme in Kempsey.

“Without these, many more homes would have been flooded this week. People with insurance claim problems can use me as a resource.

“Schemes are well underway for both Tenbury and Severn Stoke and I’ve urged the Environment Secretary to meet with me to discuss how we can support them.

“I’ve already raised both schemes with Ministers, but I’ll be pressing on with this important request while the eyes of the nation are once again on Worcestershire floods.”