A DELUGE of compensation claims could be in the pipeline following a successful bid for cash by a Bewdley business hit by flood defence work.

The Environment Agency has agreed to a payout for The Quay Gallery in Severnside North, which opened its doors in November 2000 - on the first day of the worst floods in the town for 53 years.

The success has secured the gallery and picture-framing business's future after it suffered a massive drop in trade. gallery boss Mark Leadbetter surveys the nearly-complete flood defence work which endangered his riverside business.

But the question of what will happen to the road, due to re-open in the next few weeks, is unclear.

Work is nearly complete on a multi-million pound project to install the foundations for removable steel flood barriers - and residents are keen for Severnside North to be pedestrianised when the contractors pack up their tools.

Pat Jones said she and her neighbours were up in arms after hearing pavements would be widened but cars and motorbikes would still have access.

However, Wyre Forest Highways Partnership manager Stuart Reynolds told the Shuttle/Times & News no decision has been taken and officials would meet with town, district and county councillors to discuss a way forward.

Residents are planning a party for Saturday, August 17, to mark the re-opening of Severnside North - but Mark Leadbetter, who owns the Quay Gallery based there, is celebrating already.

Surveyor Steve Hinton, who specialises in blight compensation claims, has been fighting his corner and has secured an undisclosed payment to be followed by a windfall when work has finished.

Mr Leadbetter said trade was down 80 per cent since work on the barrier foundations began and the cash will compensate for this.

Mr Leadbetter, who employs one full-time and one part-time worker, last year secured a 50 per cent rebate after originally being taken to court by Wyre Forest District Council.

Mr Hinton, who is also representing the district council on a claim over a loss of revenue from the Dog Lane car park, is expecting a rash of similar claims when the second phase of the project begins on Severnside South later in the year.