PARKING at Severnside South in Bewdley is set to be scrapped under controversial proposals for a flood defence scheme on the riverside beauty spot.

The street will be redesigned during the two-year project, due to begin in the autumn, to create a "predominantly pedestrian zone with access to slow-moving traffic" - meaning the loss of more than 40 spaces.

Despite opposition from some residents and businesses, the Environment Agency - which has applied for permission to carry out the work - has pledged to press ahead with the design, the fate of which will be decided before planning bosses this evening.

The spaces need to go because parked vehicles would obstruct efforts to put up flood barriers in an emergency, a report submitted to members of the planning (development control) committee at Wyre Forest District Council stated.

The report suggested those losing spaces could make use of the nearby Gardners Meadow car park once the work was completed, paying an annual fee to park up.

However, two businesses expressed fears to the council that such a move could mean fewer spaces for visitors to the town, damaging vital trade.

There is only one short stay parking area on the street contained in the plan - to accommodate three vehicles.

Six residents had also spoken out during a consultation period at the beginning of March.

A letter from an occupant of Eastham Court said: "I am concerned that a ban on car parking on Severnside South would give rise to outsiders trespassing on our private parking area, causing distress to our residents."

But the Environment Agency said such measures were needed to prevent any future flood misery for the town, which last year saw the completion of similar defence work at Severnside North.

A spokeswoman said: "It really is a case of there being no choice.

"We have every sympathy with people who may experience difficulties parking but we hope the importance of the scheme will convince them that the work is justified."