SEVERNSIDE North in Bewdley is set to be made a no-go zone for cars as part of a multi-million pound Government scheme to install removable flood barriers.

Bewdley Town Council has backed calls by residents for the pedestrianisation of the riverside road and has urged Wyre Forest Highways Partnership to approve a layout as soon as possible.

The aim is to make a decision before the Environment Agency begins to re-lay the road surface - which has been taken up as part of the barrier foundation work - so the pedestrianisation can be carried out as part of the current project, saving the Highways Partnership money in future.

Pat Jones, of the Severnside North Residents' Association, told the partnership: "The narrowing of the road to single width will automatically prevent vehicles parking by the river, but will give full access to residents and businesses for loading and unloading, as well as emergency vehicles, at all times."

The Environment Agency has come up with a set of drawings detailing different options for the scheme.

Bewdley Town Council has urged the partnership to consider the scheme at its next meeting, due to take place tomorrow.