FEARS over the lack of permanent flood barriers in Tenbury have been taken to the Government's flooding minister.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has pressed the case for comprehensive support for homes and businesses affected by Storms Babet and Henk during a meeting with Minister Robbie Moore.

The MP held an emergency one-on-one with the minister to discuss the plight of people who had been flooded for a second time this winter as heavy rain fell on already saturated land along the rivers Avon, Severn and Teme.

She also raised her concerns about the lack of progress of two permanent flood defence schemes, in Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke, and urged the minister to assist in getting both underway as quickly as possible.

A spokesperson for Ms Baldwin said that the MP has already championed successful flood schemes for areas including Upton-upon-Severn, Kempsey, Pershore and Uckinghall and she has pledged to press the department for continued support for the two remaining active schemes.

Last week, the MP visited homeowners and businesses affected by Storm Henk to hear how they were coping with the second serious flood this winter and also held meetings with the leader and chief executive of Worcestershire County Council.

The Government has opened a second compensation scheme following Storm Henk in addition to the Storm Babet support, and Ms Baldwin urged locals to claim from both at the local district council if they have been affected by either or both storms.

Ms Baldwin said: “I am grateful for the Minister’s time to allow me to share some of my constituents' concerns about the lack of progress on the schemes planned for Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke and I am reassured that he joins me urging swift action.

“I have pledged to do all I can to get spades in the ground at both locations and the Government shares my eagerness to see work progress.

“Flooding is a terrible blight and it will happen in West Worcestershire again and again. I’ve been fighting for proper local flood defences ever since I was first elected and I don’t plan to stop while there are workable permanent flood schemes on the table.”