WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for more investment in flood defences as homes and businesses throughout the Malvern Hills are hit by Storm Dennis.

Mrs Baldwin says has written to environment secretary George Eustice asking for an urgent meeting to discuss schemes already on the table to protect Tenbury Wells and the vital A38 link in Severn Stoke.

The MP also said she will be pressing the Department for the Environment to allocated funds from the £4 billion of extra money to back the two schemes still left unbuilt in West Worcestershire.

She also spoke to Malvern Hills District Council’s chief executive, Jack Hegarty, to assess what funding will be available to local people and business owners through local councils as the waters subside along the rivers Teme and Severn.

Mrs Baldwin said: “When this unprecedented flood subsides and travel becomes easier, I will be visiting the affected communities.

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“Flooding will always be a threat as many of us live close to three major rivers – the Teme, the Severn and the Avon and we have seen major investment in flood defences, like the wall and gate in Upton-upon-Severn and the scheme in Kempsey.

“Without these, many more homes would have been flooded this week. People with insurance claim problems can use me as a resource.

“Schemes are well underway for both Tenbury and Severn Stoke and I’ve urged the Environment Secretary to meet with me to discuss how we can support them.

“I’ve already raised both schemes with Ministers, but I’ll be pressing on with this important request while the eyes of the nation are once again on Worcestershire floods.”

Mrs Baldwin also welcomed the government’s decision to allow flood-hit homes and businesses to apply for up to £2,500 of government funding and tax relief to help them recover.

She added: “Flooding is terrible and having spoken to many people who have gone through events like this in the last decade, I know it is important to see the Government stepping in with emergency support.

“I’m also willing to support people who may be having trouble with their insurers and I’ll be visiting the flood affected areas to show my support and offer whatever help I can.”