A RIVERSIDE town’s £3.6 million flood defences could go ahead next year, according to a would-be MP.

Richard Burt, the Liberal Democrat’s parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire, said he was confident the work on both the New Street and Waterside defences in Upton-upon-Severn would start next year following discussions with the Environment Agency.

He believes work on New Street will start in April or May, while the Waterside could start in September.

But the agency responded to Mr Burt’s comments saying it was too early to be talking about definitive timings as to when construction work will start.

Paul Thomas, Upton mayor, said councillors were waiting until a scheduled meeting with the project engineers on Wednesday, September 2, to find out more information.

Mr Burt went on to say residents should also rest easy over concerns that the economic downturn may affect the project’s funding. He was speaking after meeting the project manager Nick Balsdon.

“Some people were worried that the funding might fall foul of Government cuts following the recession, but a lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes to prepare for the final hurdle,” said Mr Burt.

“A detailed business case will now go before the national review group in the first week of September, supported in person by the Environment Agency’s regional director Mark Sitton-Smith.

“Plans are also in place to present revised proposals for the Waterside to Upton residents at the same time [Thursday, September 3].

“People will have a chance to comment after expressing concerns over the visual impact of a barrier wall along the riverfront.”

Mr Burt said the Environment Agency hoped to start the New Street bund “in April or May next year and the Waterfront barrier starting in September”.

But an agency spokeswoman said the timings needed to be thrashed out in consultation with Upton Town Council and other parties.

Mr Thomas said: “We weren’t aware of any dates for construction to start. Given we’re the town council, I think we should be the first to know.”

An application for the Waterside phase of works is due to be submitted in January after a public consultation in September.

“The project manager was asked to draw up a draft programme of works,” said an Environment Agency spokeswoman.

“This has yet to be discussed and agreed with partner organisations.

“We are having a public meeting on September 3 at Upton Memorial Hall at 7.30pm to show people the new proposals, and we will have a meeting with Upton Town Council prior to this.

The town council, Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council are key stakeholders and it is important that they have an input into any agreed programme of works.”