TENBURY'S flood defence plans will be in the spotlight after the new minister for flooding offered the town's MP the opportunity to discuss why they have been held up and what challenges they face.

Water and Flooding Minister Emma Hardy offered the opportunity for a meeting during a debate West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriet held to discuss the challenges of delivering on Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke’s flood defence schemes.

Dame Harriett reported the fact that both schemes have currently stalled to the House of Commons and asked the Government to confirm that the country’s new administration would repeat commitments to back new schemes with a previously allocated £5.2 billion of funding.

The West Worcestershire MP has successfully delivered more than half a dozen successful schemes including defences for Upton-upon-Severn and Kempsey and has pledged to keep the pressure on the Government and the Environment Agency to complete the two final planned projects.

Dame Harriett was first elected as the Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire in May 2010 and has been “a strong voice in Parliament” ever since, according to her official website. She has championed many campaigns to help West Worcestershire’s constituents.

Dame Harriett said she is proud of her record pushing for permanent flood schemes across West Worcestershire.

"I understand the frustration people are sharing with me in Tenbury and Severn Stoke that these two final projects seem to have stalled," she said.

“I am grateful that the new Minister has offered a meeting, and I will look to get time in her diary right away. I will also meet the Environment Agency team again with the chief executive.

“Both these communities live in hope of being protected from flooding and millions of pounds have been allocated. For Tenbury Wells, the small number of objectors cannot be allowed to block the silent majority who want the scheme in place. The planning permission process is where we can make these decisions via our democratically elected councillors. Let's put the planning permission in to start the formal approval process.”