A new task force could be set up to lobby the government for cash to fund a multi-million pound anti-flooding scheme in Shrewsbury, the town’s MP claimed today.

Daniel Kawczynski wants the new coalition to pay for a wet washlands scheme. It would see the purchase of a section of land along the River Severn upstream from Shrewsbury that would be allowed to flood to minimise problems in the town centre.

Mr Kawczynski said he had written to officials at both Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council over the project, and added his top priority was to protect the town from flooding.

The MP has already discussed the matter with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and is looking to put pressure on the government to pay for the scheme.

He said: “The single most important issue affecting Shrewsbury is flooding. It’s the number one issue that prevents the town from developing and it’s the number one contributor as to why certain businesses will not invest in the town.”

The Tory MP said he had inspected the books of a number of small businesses in the town for records during and after flooding events.

He said his research showed that even up to two weeks after river levels have dropped, people are put off visiting the town as they mistakenly believe there are still access problems.

Mr Kawczynski said: “I have stated to George Osborne that it’s absolutely essential that we have a wet washlands scheme.

“I have approached Helen Ball (Shrewsbury Town Council clerk), officials at Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency and I intend to create a team of people who will work to establish a business plan and business case which clearly explains the consequences of flooding in Shrewsbury and the prospects of a wet washlands scheme — asking the chancellor for an investment of millions of pounds.”

The Environment Agency has drawn up proposals in the past for a potential scheme which involved the construction of a barrage between Shrewsbury and Montford Bridge, which would control flood flows.

There were also suggestions it could be linked with plans for a controversial £100 million North West Relief Road.

By Russell Roberts