A new flood scheme has been launched to protect 26 high-risk homes in Worcester.
The scheme will target Toronto Close in the Lower Wick area, situated close to the River Teme and Laugherne Brook, which has a devastating history of flooding.
In February 2020, residents had to evacuate their homes after 16 houses were were partially submerged.
Environment Agency Manager for Worcester, David Throup said: “The work will provide improved flood resilience for Toronto Close and we are working closely with Worcestershire County Council to ensure the delivery of this scheme.
"Flooding has a devastating impact which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.
"We can already see the impacts of climate change in the UK and around the world.
"With this scheme we will be upgrading and improving the existing defences to better protect communities from the future flood risk climate change will bring, greatly reducing the risk of flooding to properties most vulnerable when the local rivers rise."
Designed by The Environment Agency, a new wall and an embankment will be constructed along the Laugherne Brook, with two new flood gates also due to be added as part of the scheme.
Additional strengthening works will be carried out on the existing Powick Mills and Old Road walls.
The design is due to be completed by the end of the year with construction beginning in the spring.
Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport added: "This scheme is one of a number of flood risk management projects which Worcestershire County Council is investing in, to reduce the risk of flooding on local communities.
"We are supportive of this scheme and the benefits it will bring and are pleased to see the progress towards delivery. We will be working closely with the EA to ensure their successful delivery of the project."
The Environment Agency provides a Flood Warning Service for Lower Wick which you can sign up for at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
They also have a 24-hour Flood Line service which you can contact on 0345 988 1188 for any ongoing flood related queries or advice.
Across the country, the Environment Agency has led projects to deliver flood schemes that see 314,000 homes are now better protected since 2015.
Earlier this year, the Government announced a record £5.2 billion investment in flood and coastal defences to build around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences and better protect 336,000 properties by 2027.
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