A CALL for a temporary pontoon to help keep the river crossing open at Upton-upon-Severn during flooding has been made by West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer.

The main river bridge became inaccessible last year when part of the approach road from the A38 was flooded near the entrance to Upton Marina.

Those living on the east of the river faced a long journey via the Mythe Bridge at Tewkesbury or the new Worcester bridge to travel to work, school, shops and the doctors' surgery.

The Conservative MP said a pontoon across the floodwater could have helped relieve the hardship.

"Without the help of the Army it was impossible for doctors to get from one side of the river to the other to see their patients," he said.

He has tabled a question for Flood Minister Elliot Morley, asking if he will agree to fund the construction of a temporary pontoon at Upton if the approach road floods again.

"It has been proposed that the road could be raised when money is available, but realistically, that's likely to be a long way off," he said. "We should be looking for more immediate solutions."

Sir Michael, who is to visit Saturday's Flood Defence Fair in Upton Memorial Hall, said funds were needed to support the Upton unit of the Severn Area Rescue Association, which has organised it.

"They have done a tremendous job in buying equipment and training volunteers to high standards. It is a wonderful example of a town helping itself to relieve the undoubted problems which always occur when winter sets in," he said.

Bill Dovey, who is chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, welcomed the idea of the pontoon.

He said the fact that the bridge was closed made people think the town was completely cut off and trade suffered.

"When deputy Prime Minister John Prescott came to Upton he made some promises of money for flood relief and we naively expected something would be done, but so far there has been nothing," he said.

Peter Pantling, fund-raising chief for Upton's SARA unit, said: "We have had many promises over the years and so far we haven't received one penny towards flood defence.

"But through SARA we are doing our best to help people however and wherever necessary."

Around 20 exhibitors displaying various flood defence devices will be exhibiting in Upton Memorial Hall on Saturday and representatives of the Environment Agency will be there.