SHIPSTON’S MP fears that flood alleviation work being undertaken in the town does not take into account the effect that flooding has on residents.

John Maples, Stratford constituency’s MP, expressed this concern after meeting representatives of the Environment Agency, which is the organisation undertaking the work on the River Stour.

The meeting was held so he and the Agency’s representatives could discuss flood defence work being conducted at various locations within his constituency.

Having previously expressed concern over what he alleges is a lack of action on instigating flood protection measures for small communities like Shipston, which was devastated by July 2007’s flooding, Mr Maples said: “The Environment Agency is currently carrying out modelling of the river in Shipston and hopes to be finished by June.

“There is always talk of cost-benefit but I am concerned that the true human cost of flooding is being overlooked.

“I will be reviewing the situation and meeting with the Environment Agency again in June to see if more action can be taken.

“If anything can be done, I want to be 100 per cent certain that it is.”

He said some of his constituents would be eligible to apply for a property-level protection grant, through Stratford District Council, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The deadline for applications is March 17 but there will be another chance to apply in October.

To learn how to apply, contact the council or log onto www.defra.gov.uk Mr Maples said: “Whilst the scheme is countrywide and the funding limited, I still think that it offers the best bet for those who have so far slipped through the funding net.”

Environment Agency communications officer, Emily Poyser, said “We are happy to be working with Mr Maples and we will keep him informed of any developments in his constituency.”