Flood work in pipeline

New flood defences are in the pipeline for Bewdley after £700,000 was provisionally approved after a two-year battle.

Around 50 homes in Queensway and Lodge Close were flooded when a culvert could not cope with torrential rains in 2007. Since then residents having been campaigning for improved flood defences. It comes as torrential rain caused many roads and parks to flood over the weekend.

Flood warnings have been issued across the country today, with the River Severn in Shropshire among them.

The project for Riddings Brook has been given a green light for funding in 2011-2012 by the Midlands Flood Defence Committee.

Work has started on creating a computer model of the brook. Agency officials will also study a suggestion put forward to create an upstream reservoir.

The Riddings Brook Flood Group spokesman Gill Holland said: "Funding of any flood alleviation work is a long drawn-out process of design and consultation.

"We have a foot in the door which is the main thing and the work in coming up with ideas is taking place."

Riddings Brook Flood Group was formed in June 2007 after the Queensway flooding. Support has come from Wyre Forest District Council, which has provided £10,000 and Wyre Forest Community Housing, another £10,000.