WORCESTER’S new flood bund and £2 million cricket pavilion have both stood up to their first real test against the elements.

The county has been battered by heavy rain over the past month with the river Severn bursting its banks in several places across the city.

The 560-metre earth-raised embankment along Hylton Road in Worcester, which was officially opened in June, has managed to keep the water at bay.

Anthony Perry, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “This is the first real test for the new flood defence. We’re pleased that it has helped to stop the distress and disruption that flooding has caused in this area in the past.”

Worcestershire County Cricket Club chief executive Mark Newton said the new Graeme Hick pavilion, which opened in May, had remained dry despite the pitch flooding.

Mr Newton said: “We have had no problems at all. The pavilion was built one metre above the 100-year highest water level so it has been completely safe from the water. We are delighted.”

Two flood warnings were in place on the river Severn last night between Worcester and Tewkesbury and from Tewkesbury to Gloucester.

The rest of the river in Worcestershire was at “flood watch” level.