MAINTENANCE work to a flood barrier on a busy city road has proved successful.

The Environment Agency and Worcestershire County Council closed Hylton Road at 6.30pm on Monday (November 6) to allow for a field team to deploy and service the flood barrier.

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: "We need to ensure that all our team members are trained and competent in the deployment of the barrier for times of real flood risk emergencies.

"We also need to ensure the barrier is fully operational and all seals fit for purpose.

"As part of the deployment process we also took the opportunity to service the barrier by cleaning, replacing and greasing the bolts that remain in the road and need to be removed to install the supporting legs.

"The whole exercise was a great success, from working with our partners at Worcestershire County Council to ensure the road closure, maintaining access to the Arena Sports Hall for the University and the full deployment and service of the flood barrier.

"This is an annual service with the next one scheduled for November 2018.”

Barry Killner from the Environment Agency tweeted: "All deployed within half an hour! Good job Worcestershire field team. Quick service and replacement bolts greased too."

Dave Throup from the Environment Agency tweeted: "And it's up! In less than half an hour. Well done team. Ready now for when we really need it to protect #worcester."

The work was originally set to take place last Thursday (November 2) but was postponed due to graduation ceremonies at the University of Worcester.

The defence scheme on Hylton Road was completed in May 2009 at a cost of £650,000.