Ceremony to take place for Worcester flood alleviation scheme

A ceremony will take place on Friday to mark the official launch of Worcester's new Hylton Road flood alleviation scheme.

Beginning at 11am, the event will feature a welcome address by Tim Farr, chairman of the Severn-Trent Regional Flood Defence Committee, as well as a speech by Worcester MP Michael Foster.

Local residents and schoolchildren will also play a part in the proceedings.

Although some landscaping work will continue throughout the year, the defence scheme is now fully functional and will ensure that a number of residential and commercial properties are protected in the event of flooding.

Work began on the 600-metre flood wall last year, with engineers using more than 14,000 tonnes of clay during its construction.

Project manager Phil Foxley commented: "It will give more reliable protection to people who live and work along Hylton Road, as well as keeping the centre of Worcester open for longer during a flood."

In related news, the government announced plans to roll out a new £36 million flood protection package earlier this week.

Written by Joseph Hutton