A new £2.5 million flood risk management scheme has been completed.

The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council, has finished the project for Toronto Close in the Lower Wick area of Worcester.

The street has been severely affected by flooding in the past, with 16 properties flooded in July 2007 and many residents forced to evacuate during Storm Dennis in 2020.

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The new scheme, which aims to prevent similar occurrences in the future, includes an embankment across open land and through residential gardens along Laughern Brook, as well as the strengthening and rebuilding of the existing historic wall along Old Road.

Two flood gates have also been installed and will be activated when river levels rise.

The Environment Agency's area flood risk manager, Charlie Chander, said: "We know how devastating flooding can be and the terrible disruption flooding has caused to residents in Toronto Close in the past.

"We are delighted to have been able to deliver this flood risk management scheme that will help to reduce the risk of flooding to Toronto Close and hopefully help to give residents more peace of mind."

Residents of Toronto Close, who have experienced the devastation of flooding in the past, have welcomed the new scheme.

Ray Grundy, who has lived on the street since 1980, said: "It means for the first time we can now go away on holiday during the winter and not have to worry if we are going to flood.

"Everyone is feeling more relaxed."

Councillor Emma Stokes, the county council’s cabinet member for environment, said: "This area has seen some devastating floods in recent years and I’m very pleased that this flood management scheme is now in place.

"Flooding has had a huge impact on people living in the area and this scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in the future.

"I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this a reality, in particular Councillor Alan Amos, who has strongly supported the scheme from day one."

Receive information about the flood risk in your area on https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/.