THE case for raising the road at Upton-upon-Severn to keep the bridge open during floods has been put to Transport Minister John Spellar by a Worcestershire delegation.

They met Mr Spellar at the Department of Transport this week to suggest that the A4104 should be raised between Upton Marina and the bridge over the River Severn.

The delegation was led by South Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer and included the chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Bob Bullock, and the former mayor of Upton, Roger Barker.

"We put it to the Minister that the bridge at Upton was one of very few vital crossings of the River Severn in Worcestershire," said Sir Michael.

"When this becomes impassable because of flooding on the A4104, traffic travelling east and west is severely disrupted and major delays occur at bridges to the north and south.

"It is also the case that the town of Upton-upon-Severn often becomes virtually cut off.

"I am delighted to say that the Minister listened very carefully to these arguments."

It was agreed that Worcestershire County Council should now undertake a feasibility study of raising the road and if this proved positive, the council should apply to the Government for extra funds for the project.

Sir Michael is urging the council to complete the study during this financial year, so that they can apply for funds next year.

"Given the climatic changes which are occurring and the effect that heavy rainfall, especially in the winter, is having on the whole Severn basin and in particular on the thriving town of Upton, I sincerely hope that great urgency will be given to the matter," he said.