July 16th 2008 Anthony Perry Flood Risk Manager 'I am pleased to announce that we have secured £3.6million of national funding over the next 2 years to carry out a flood scheme in Upton Upon Severn.  This will be to protect the New Street and Waterfront areas, directly benefiting 127 properties in the town.   As you may be aware, we have been working with the Town Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council and a number of local residents to find a proposal which will reduce flood risk and also enhance the character of the town.   We are currently working on a Project Appraisal Report to ensure that the scheme meets Government rules on spending public money (i.e. the scheme needs to be technically possible, environmentally acceptable and financially viable).  We still have a lot of work to do on the appraisal and detailed design work before we can confirm the scheme will definitely happen.  We remain optimistic and can assure you that we are doing everything possible to move this forward.   We will be consulting Upton Residents and others on the proposals and will have further negotiations with those affected by any of the works over the coming months.  Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, including planning permission, we would hope to start construction work next year.  Obviously the timing and disturbance in the town will need to be considered, due to local festivals and events.'