Millions to build new flood defence

FLOOD defences in Worcestershire are to be further strengthened after a multi-million pound funding boost was announced by the Government.

Areas prone to flooding are set to benefit from a national fund which will see £5.2 billion spent in England by the Environment Agency to protect 336,000 properties.

Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge wreaked havoc in the West Midlands in February, especially in Worcestershire where homes and businesses were devastated.

With the ground sodden from last autumn’s heavy floods, the River Severn in Worcester quickly burst its banks, reaching some of the highest levels seen in 20 years.

The Environment Agency said two flood schemes in Tenbury

Wells and the Severn Valley will protect ‘‘nearly 3,000 homes’’ in areas which were badly affected by last winter’s floods.

The defences are also aimed at ‘‘protecting and creating more than 22,000 jobs along the Severn Valley’’. Those schemes will be supported by an initiative combining natural flood risk management, tree planting and habitat creation to reduce floods and.