EMOTIONS were running high at Hanley Swan Village Hall when around 70 people outlined their opposition to plans for a new sliproad on the M50.

Although a few present at last Thursday's meeting supported the scheme, there was widespread condemnation of Worcestershire County Council proposal to create a junction with the A438 at Sledge Green, near Birtsmorton.

Answering questions were Mike Davis, from the Malvern Hills Highways Partnership, and Jon Seddon, the county council's transport and road safety manager.

The scheme is intended to provide alternative access to the motorway when Upton is flooded, as happened in 2000/2001. However, many people protested that the £1.25 million project could not be justified, as flooding of that magnitude only occurred every 50 years.

Local county councillor Tom Wells said the meeting had been held too far away from the site of the proposal junction. He insisted that instead of another sliproad, money should be spent on keeping the A4104 at Upton accessible.

"I implore you not to proceed with this," he said.

The meeting also heard from a Bushley farmer in favour of the scheme, who said the sliproad would provide a shorter route to the motorway for his lorries. His nearest alternative at present is over the Mythe Bridge, at Tewkesbury, which has a weight limit restricting heavy vehicles, meaning he has to travel much further.

The farmer's comments led to calls for work to be carried out to the bridge, which is listed and protected by English Heritage.

Among other issues raised were fears about the impact the junction would have on the A438 and local wildlife, along with a proposal to build a new bridge at Upton.

There were also fears that the final decision would be made by the council's cabinet and not the full council itself.

A traffic study is currently being carried out of the proposed site. The results will be revealed at a public exhibition in May or June, before council officers report to the cabinet in July.