Barrier tests one year on from Worcester floods

Bigger pumps which can be used to move floodwater back into the river are being lifted into place

Flood barrier tests have been carried out in Worcester, a year after floodwater threatened to overcome defences.

Teams from the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and the county council shut off Hylton Road, by the River Severn, to test arrangements.

Severn Trent said it had increased the size of its pipework in the road so that bigger pumps could be used to move floodwater back into the river.

Essential maintenance was also being carried out.

Flood barriers were placed across Hylton Road and road levels were checked to make sure the ground had not moved since previous tests were carried out.

The Environment Agency said that residents should not be worried and that the defences were "ready for action when needed".

Flood defences start to go up along Hylton Road next to the River Severn. Last year the flood water threatened to go over the top

Last February, the River Severn was threatening to rise to 5.8m with the flood defences built to withstand levels of 5.7m (18ft 8in).

Swans were seen along a footpath near the banks of the River Severn in Worcester