West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for local views on the future of an historic county river bridge.

Severe flooding over the Winter has meant that the bridge over the river Avon at Eckington has been regularly closed to traffic meaning that local people have to follow substantial diversions to get out and about.

Dame Harriett visited the bridge location to meet with Worcestershire County Councillor Adrian Hardman and representatives from Great Comberton Parish Council who shared their concerns with the MP.

And she agreed to write to the Environment Agency to find out if it has carried out any studies on the increased frequency of flooding and wider impact on the community.

The MP is now seeking views from local people in order to formulate a long-term plan for managing the situation.

In the last decade, the county council has delivered a major road raising project at Upton-upon-Severn, replaced the damaged bridge at Eastham and doubled the Carrrington Road bridge.

Dame Harriett said:

“It is clear that we are having more flood events which render the bridge un-usable and additional roadworks this year have led local people to share their frustrations with me.

“The bridge is over 300 years old, but it may be time to consider an alternative solution while ensuring that this historic structure is preserved.

“I’ve had businesses in Eckington contact me sharing their frustration about the road closures and I have already flagged these concerns to the county council.

“I’m keen to hear local people’s views and will be gathering opinions from local people and experts to inform a long-term plan.”

People can share their views by taking part in an online survey at www.harriettbaldwin.com/survey , by emailing harriett.baldwin.mp@parliament.uk or by writing to her at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

Photo: Chair of Great Comberton Parish Council Kate Collingwood, Councillor Adrian Hardman, Dame Harriett Baldwin MP, and Vice-Chair of Great Comberton Parish Council Suzanne Hamilton.