TWO Vale of Evesham parish councils are to take part in a pilot scheme set up by Worcestershire County Council enabling them to immediately rectify problems with blocked drains.

Currently, parish councils have to go through the Highway Partnership Unit but Little Comberton and Beckford will be given dedicated funding to enable them to sort out blockages as son as they are reported.

Councillor John Smith, of Hampton, assistant spokesman for environment and sustainability, said: "This new scheme will give the parish councils the ability to put right any small scale road drainage problems right away without having to wait for the highways team to do it.

"This will help to improve road safety on minor roads and also give parish councils, who know their local patch best, a role in managing any local problem areas."

He added: "This new initiative - the pilot scheme starts in September - reinforces the county council's commitment to supporting parish councils by giving them more power and local responsibility."