THE problem of flooding in Kingsford Brook, Wolverley, looks set to continue despite talks with landowners last month, Wyre Forest District Council chiefs heard.

Rob Key told the authority's executive committee there was a "long history" of flooding in the valley which affected homes, pasture and open space used by the public.

One home had been flooded two years running while others had gardens and outbuildings under water.

He said in 1988 the council had investigated a flood alleviation scheme involving a storage pond but this had failed because the owners of sections of the riverbanks could not agree on it.

He added the brook channel was undersized while the brook itself flowed to one side of the valley floor with the lower valley floor occupied by gardens, paddocks, open spaces and houses.

He said while a consultant had recommended possible remedial action, the council did not have the power to force landowners to carry out improvement works at their own expense.

Mr Key said the council could encourage riverbank landowners to carry out improvement work, require owners to maintain the watercourse on their land or carry out improvement works and hope landowners contributed.

The cost for such work could reach up to £40,000, he added.