The Environment Agency is designing a new flood risk management scheme for a residential area of Worcester to protect homes from flooding.

The new scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 26 properties in the Lower Wick area of Worcester.

The design is due to be completed by the end of the year with construction beginning in the spring

The Environment Agency is leading on the project with Worcestershire County Council assisting on the plans for the scheme for Toronto Close in the Lower Wick area of the city.

Toronto Close is situated close to the River Teme and Laugherne Brook and has a history of flooding, most recently in February 2020 when 16 houses were flooded.

The new scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 26 properties and consists of an embankment and a new wall along the Laugherne Brook together with strengthening an existing wall around Powick Mills. The scheme will also include two new flood gates and the strengthening of the Old Road wall.

The design is due to be completed by the end of the year with construction beginning in the spring and is due to be completed by the end of the next year.

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.”

The 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.

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 Environment Agency to ensure their successful delivery of the project.”