WORK on the £750,000 Sedgeberrow flood defence scheme is well under way. The Environment Agency project, which started on April 4, aims to reduce flooding in the village.

The work involves the replacement of the Cheltenham Road bridge with a larger one, because high river flows cannot get through the existing bridge opening and water backs up, causing flooding. As well as replacing the bridge, the existing flood defences at the back of Winchcombe Road will be raised.

Flood defence improvement engineer, Jo Martin said a flood would currently affect around 63 properties but when the scheme is completed many properties will no longer be in the insurance industry's significant risk category as they are now.

She said: "We are delighted that the scheme is going ahead. The new bridge will have a 14 metre span, which doubles the existing area available for water flow. The majority of the bridge will be brick to minimise the effect of a modern structure. We will also be carrying out some environmental enhancements." The Regional Flood Defences Committee (RFDC) has raised funds through a levy on local authorities and Worcestershire County Council has contributed around £100,000. Lower Severn flood risk manager Anthony Perry said: "We want to thank the community for their support, but also to understand that it is necessary to close the road for the duration of the work." The work should be completed by the end of October. For information call 0121 711 5855.