UPTON looks set to benefit from new flood defences in a move welcomed by residents and traders.

Town clerk Gill Jennings said the Environment Agency would report to local authorities and emergency services at a closed meeting in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 22.

Agency spokesman Oliver Blackburn confirmed that it was looking to install defences at Upton.

Mr Blackburn said one possibility would be to use 'Geodesign barriers', metal support frames covered with impermeable plastic, which have proved successful in other local areas, including Worcester.

Half a mile of the lightweight re-usable barriers takes four hours for eight people to set up.

Mark Woolley, landlord of The Swan Hotel on the Waterside, said defences were overdue in the town.

"Other areas at risk, such as Bewdley and Stourport, have defences but Upton floods nearly every year," he said.

"We've become resigned to getting back up and running as soon as we can after it happens."

Mr Woolley said he felt Upton might be difficult to defend, but that any efforts would be welcome.

"I'm not sure what can be done, as the water rises from underneath the buildings," he said.

"The flooding affects people's livelihoods and if there's anything that could help, then it must be done."

Graham Bunn, owner of the riverside King's Head pub, missed out on most of his Christmas trade when floods closed his pub on two occasions in the winter of 2000.

"I'm not sure any preventative steps can be taken but I'd like to see relief measures in place for when flooding does occur," he said.

Tourist Information Officer Sue Creese thinks traders and residents would benefit from protection against flooding.

"The floods are so disruptive when they occur," she said. "Not only do they cause damage to property, but the adverse publicity they bring affects trade in the town."