SHADOW environment minister Peter Ainsworth visited Upton-upon-Severn to find out what measures are being taken to protect the town against flooding.

He was shown around New Street, where many buildings are still uninhabited after July's flooding, and then to the banks of the river Severn itself, where permanent flood defences are now being proposed.

During the visit on Monday, the Conservative MP was also shown businesses, such as the Plough Inn, that had been affected by flooding.

He was joined by parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire Harriet Baldwin, as well as representatives from the Environment Agency and Upton mayor Tim Perry.

The Environment Agency plans to provide demountable barriers for the banks of the river Severn, as opposed to the temporary barriers, which are currently in use and cost £20,000 to erect each time they are used.

Mr Ainsworth said: "I'm very pleased that the Environment Agency has got a plan to deal with the problem here in Upton.

"What people went through here was obviously an extreme event but how good it would be for the place and the people who visit it if we could put in place a permanent solution."