ANGRY residents have confronted bosses behind the imminent flood defence works set to disrupt a riverside street in Bewdley.

The permanent loss of on-street parking, removal of a historic bandstand and fears for trade were among the concerns voiced over works planned for Severnside South, during a meeting at Bewdley Baptist Church last week.

There were gasps from the audience after they were told only eight to 10 parking spaces were to be set aside elsewhere for residents, who will be waving goodbye to on-street parking as a result of the works.

An indignant Ken Hobson, president of Bewdley Civic Society, demanded Environment Agency project manager Roger Prestwood let the people know how many spaces would be provided.

Peter Barnett, chairman of Bewdley Residents Flood Committee, said the issue was Wyre Forest District Council's "problem" but talks were taking place with the council to find the extra spaces, which Mr Hobson estimated at 22.

And Mr Prestwood - in town to talk about the preliminary work on gas and electricity supplies starting on Monday, July 28 - said the base of the bandstand was being removed as it simply was not wanted by residents.

"The view we seem to be getting from our landscape architects is this is not a loved part of the town," he said.

Given the nature of the project, Mr Barnett said an effort was needed to assure visitors Bewdley would not close down because of the flood defence works.

Yet he commended the scheme and echoed Mr Prestwood's comments of "pain before gain" to build a flood defence system for the road.

"This town will not alter in character but actually improve its looks once the project is completed," he said.

An exhibition of the preparatory works, which are needed to make Severnside South safe for work to begin on the flood defence project in the spring, will be held at Bewdley Museum on Friday, July 25.