Worcestershire flood defence work unveiled

Flood defences in a village where residents have suffered flooding more than 20 times in 30 years have been officially opened.

The £1.7m project in Kempsey, Worcestershire, has been provided by the Environment Agency which dug a long earth embankment downstream.

The aim is stop flood water from the River Severn backing up a brook which leads into the village.

More than 150 properties suffered some degree of flooding in July 2007.

Action group

As well as the embankment, eel-friendly pumps have been installed to discharge any surface water and water from the brook.

The Environment Agency said up until 2008 the village had flooded 23 times in 30 years, with the worst occasions being in 2000 and 2007.

Villagers set up a flood action group in 2009 and played a large role in developing the flood defence project.

The agency's project manager said: "This flood defence work will significantly reduce flood risk in the future and improve the quality of life for the local residents and businesses."