Dame Harriett Baldwin MP has urged residents to give their opinions on the future of a historic county river bridge.

The West Worcestershire MP wants to know community concerns regarding Eckington Bridge over the River Avon, where regular flooding has resulted in frequent road closures and lengthy diversions.

Recently, these challenges were brought to Dame Harriett when she met with Worcestershire County Councillor Adrian Hardman and representatives from Great Comberton Parish Council at the bridge.

 

 

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As an action point after the discussion, the MP said she would reach out to the Environment Agency to find out if any research has been conducted on the rise in floods and its impact on the community.

Dame Harriett has said that the feedback, along with the views of residents, will be used to devise a strategic, long-term solution to the problem.

Over the past 10 years, the county council undertook significant road works at Upton, replaced the damaged bridge at Eastham, and doubled the span of Carrington Road bridge.

Dame Harriett said: "It is clear that we are having more flood events which render the bridge unusable and additional roadworks this year have led local people to share their frustrations with me.

"The bridge is over 300 years old, but it may be time to consider an alternative solution while ensuring that this historic structure is preserved.

"I’ve had businesses in Eckington contact me sharing their frustration about the road closures and I have already flagged these concerns to the county council."

Residents can send their thoughts in via the online survey at www.harriettbaldwin.com/survey, email directly to her at harriett.baldwin.mp@parliament.uk, or write to her at the House of Commons.