FLOODING and flood prevention concerns for residents of Pershore and Sedgeberrow prompted West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer to meet with Environment Agency officials at the House of Commons last week.

Sir Michael was told of 'advanced arrangements' to prevent flooding on the River Avon and the completion of the £750,000 flood defence scheme at Sedgeberrow when he met the agency's Toby Willison and Anthony Perry on Tuesday.

The agency is working on a scheme which would allow it to co-ordinate all the sluices operating on the Avon at the flick of a switch to prevent the build-up of water between them.

At Sedgeberrow the old Cheltenham Road bridge, which caused the River Isbourne to back up during flood levels, has been lengthened. Engineers have added a retaining wall and widened the river channel as well as raising the existing flood defence works at Winchcombe Road.

"After many years of dealing with the aftermath of flooding throughout my constituency, I was delighted to hear of the firm plans which are now emerging for flood defences on both the Avon and the Severn," said Sir Michael.

"With respect to the Avon, there are advanced arrangements for co-ordinating the sluices on the river.

"These should help to alleviate flooding, in particular, in Pershore.

"The project at Sedgeberrow has now been completed and I hope to be present at its opening on Friday, December16."

The Meterological Office issued at least two flood warnings in the Evesham area last week following heavy rain, particularly over Wales. However, the torrential rain never materialised.