THE Environment Agency has pledged to pull the plug on the proposed demountable steel flood barriers along Severnside North and South should Bewdley folk oppose the scheme.

Kevin Boulton also reassured people living in other areas of the town they would not suffer from flood water being diverted towards them by the barriers.

"We are convinced we have done the work to demonstrate it will not make matters worse," he said.

"We will not leave the barriers up for a minute longer than they need to be.

"If we thought the people of Bewdley think it is not worthwhile we will pack up and walk away - I haven't picked up that opinion."

Bewdley people have been consulted over the plans during the course of investigations and were able to view a mobile exhibition about the scheme last week.

Environmental and engineering consultancy is being provided by firm Halcrow, while the contract for construction work will be tendered if the go-ahead is given.

Schemes to protect areas to the east of the river, including Wribbenhall and Beale's Corner, do not meet the benefit and cost criteria set by the Government.

But Mr Boulton agreed with David Lock's assertion that an "all or nothing" attitude would not be beneficial, saying discussions were taking place to change these rules, and that the worth of protecting these other areas would need to be proved "incrementally".

Mark Leadbetter, who runs Frames by Design and Severnside Gallery on Severnside North, was told compensation for businesses affected by the work would be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

And Mr Boulton assured people that during the course of the construction, alternative parking would be provided, noise and vibration would be minimised and working hours restricted.