DEFRA minister Elliot Morley is to write to the Department of Transport to voice support for the raising of the A4104 next to Upton-upon-Severn Marina.

Upton's mayor, Roger Barker, accompanied county councillor Bob Bullock, district councillor Mary Wilkinson, Worcestershire Highways Partnership manager for Malvern Hills Mike Davis and West Worc-estershire MP Sir Michael Spicer to a meeting with Mr Morley on Tuesday (March 19).

They went to ask for cash to fund the raising of the A4104 to help keep the town linked to the outside world during severe flooding.

The deputation pointed out to Mr Morley that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott had promised £51 million to alleviate flooding while on a visit to Upton in November 2000.

They were informed the £51 million had been spent but none of it in Upton.

Mr Morley informed them he could not part with any money as it was not his department but he said he would write to the Department of Transport voicing support for the bid.

"The raising of the road is not just a problem for the Department of the Environment, because whilst it is affected by the flooding, it is not a flooding problem," Coun Barker explained.

"It is clearly a Department of Transport problem, because it is a road issue. Although we did not come back with a cheque, I'm quite encouraged. It was a very good meeting."

County councillor Bob Bullock agreed.

"At the end of the day, we have achieved something. At least we know that we have got his support to go to others, so that is one off the list, if you like," he said.

"The county council will have to make a bid at the right time."

He thought businesses growing at Malvern Hills Science Park would strengthen any bid, as the new road would ensure access from the east for workers and supplies.

Mr Davis described the meeting as "useful", adding that the deputation had not been disappointed to learn it was applying to a department that could not fund the project as all departments had been lobbied over the issue.

"He listened sympathetically to our case, and he was prepared to write to other ministers supporting our bid," said Mr Davis. "That is something really positive."

"This was a useful first step in what will no doubt be a long-drawn-out struggle to win the necessary financial support for flooding problems in both Upton and Kempsey," Sir Michael said.