The following is from David Drew's weekly column.

This weekend I toured the banks of the Severn, near Frampton-on-Severn and Saul.

It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Stroud constituency and our waterways, from the river to the Stroudwater and Gloucester Sharpness canals are a vital part of our history and economy.

So I was concerned to learn how exposed the area is to tidal erosion and that the Gloucester Sharpness Canal is vulnerable to potential flooding from the Severn.

A report in 2006 warned that the banks of the canal may not withstand a flood from the Severn.

It now seems that more work needs to be done to ensure that a very high tide combined with high river levels could not cause flooding which may have a catastrophic impact to the canal and the surrounding area.

The consequences could be costly should the canal bank fail, with possible implications for Bristol Water which uses the canal for water supply, as well as affecting water levels in the Gloucester Sharpness Canal and the Stroudwater Canal beyond.

This is something that requires joint action from all the agencies involved, the Environment Agency, the Canal and River Trust, Bristol Water, Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board, Natural England, and local authorities. I will be contacting all the parties to look at this in detail, and provide reassurances that the flood prevention measures will be adequately maintained.

Gloucester Sharpness canal is a thriving waterway and we must protect it.

Our other canal, the Stroudwater, is also proving to be a great asset and I’m pleased that Stroud’s bid to secure funding to complete the renovation of the Saul Junction is looking positive.

Do visit one of the consultation events held by Stroud District Council to look at the plans in more detail.