A POLITICIAN has called for a formal assessment on the costs involved in raising a frequently flooded road.

Hanley Road in Malvern was closed last week after river levels rose, forcing motorists to make long diversions, including pupils attending Hanley Castle High School.

West Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin, said: “The Hanley Road often floods and I know how frustrating it is for local road users and people going to and from the secondary school.

“I have always been told that it is a complex and potentially expensive project, but with all the other major work either completed or in the pipeline, I’d like the county council to look at this challenge with fresh eyes.

“The Government is keen to look at how it invests in major infrastructure projects so if the council gets a clear vision for how we can keep this road open.

“I will be happy to champion it in Westminster.”

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Upton-Upon-Severn town councillor, John Thompson, said: “When my children were young, we had to do a 14 mile round trip to take them to their school which was only a mile away but they couldn’t cross when the road was flooded.

“I know the Environmental Agency completed an assessment a number of years ago and the costs proved to outweigh any benefits.

“I would welcome it and it would be useful.”

Business owner, Annette Keyworth who runs the Value For Money Shop in the High Street, said: “It’s been horrific this last couple of months on the impact of flooding on my shop in terms of profit.

“When people avoid the area because of flooding, they tend not to come back and stick to Malvern or Worcester to do their shopping as it’s easier to get to.”

Ralph Thompson, landlord of The Swan Hotel in Waterside, said: “Flooding has a big impact, particularly when people avoid the area thinking the town is closed.

“I think raising the road is a good thing and it’s something I would welcome.

“They’ve done it down near the marina and that’s worked well.”

Mrs Baldwin got Worcestershire County Council to invest in the major road-raising project at Ryall helping Upton to stay open for business during times of serious flooding.