ROAD alterations to keep traffic flowing into Upton-upon-Severn during floods could cost around £3.5m.

The scheme, which involves raising part of the A4104 between Upton Marina and the Severn bridge, is one of three flood alleviation schemes aired at an exhibition and public meeting in Upton.

The A4104 scheme would give people from Holly Green, Ripple and Ryall access to doctors, shops and other facilities, while traffic between Malvern and the A38 would have a direct route through the town.

Town Mayor Eric White said it was very much the preferred option, because it would keep Upton open for business, without anyone having to make a lengthy detour.

"In the 2000 floods, the journey from Upton to the Pershore turn on the A38 took me over an hour-and-a-quarter," he said.

Instead of making the short journey along the A4104, he had to drive south to Longdon and queue there to cross the Mythe Bridge at Tewkesbury, using the same route taken by Upton doctors wanting to reach their patients on the eastern side of the river.

Another scheme being considered by Worcestershire County Council is a new access to the M50 at Sledge Green, but this has not proved popular with local people at meetings in Hanley Swan, Birtsmorton, Berrow and Upton.

Coun Bob Bullock, who chaired the Upton meeting attended by about 30 people, said they were in favour of the A4104 being lifted and would also like to see work on the Hanley Road, which floods even more frequently.

"There was a suggestion that barriers could be used to protect homes, similar to those installed at Bewdley," he said.

There had been criticism of the lack of "joined up" thinking about flood alleviation schemes on the part of Worcestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and the Department for Transport.

"Highways manager Paul Jameson was sympathetic towards that and I believe we might get representatives tog-ether under the same roof in Upton, which would be a very positive step," said Coun Bullock.