PERSHORE’S flood defences could be in line for a £500,000 boost to help protect homes along Defford Road.

MP for West Worcestershire Sir Michael Spicer held a meeting with Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and the Environment Agency on Friday (21) to discuss the building of the flood barrier.

The cost of the barrier is likely to be met by Severn Trent, and both the county and district councils.

Sir Michael said: “The meeting was very productive and the next key event will be a meeting of the Regional Flood Defence Committee on January 14 when hopefully the necessary additional funds will be allocated to the project.

“The design of the barrier will be displayed in Pershore on Friday, December 12 and it is essential that there is maximum public support for the project.”

If the Regional Flood Defence Committee gives the plans the go-ahead on January 14, it is hoped that the barrier should be completed by September 2009.

Mr Spicer added: “In the interests of those in Pershore who have suffered badly from flooding in recent times I will do all that I can to make sure that the flood defence barrier is completed in time.”