Council 'slow' to back flood scheme

Worcester has been repeatedly hit by flooding

Concern is being expressed that Worcester could miss out on the chance to join a nationally-funded flood defence project.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said in March that the city should be included in trials of temporary flood defence barriers along parts of the River Severn.

Worcester has suffered repeated flooding in the last five years.

But some locals are claiming the city council has been slow to commit itself to the scheme.

No agreement

The Environment Agency has already bought the structures and entered into partnerships with local authorities in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge in an effort to meet the labour costs of the project.

But Worcester City Council has so far failed to enter into any formal agreement.

Hylton Road is the most likely site for the trial and local residents and businesses have been asked to attend a council committee meeting on Monday to discuss the project.

The authority will make a final decision the following day.

It is understood that the Environment Agency intends to give Bridgnorth in Shropshire the chance to receive the flood defences if Worcester turns down the opportunity.