Worcestershire County Council has invested £2.5million programme to improve hundreds of drains and gullies across the region.

The work aims to reduce the risk of flooding across the county with highways officers tackling 20 countrywide ‘wetspots’ – areas which have often flooded in autumn and winter.

Additional funding will mean a number of trash screens, which prevent drains becoming clogged with leaves and debris, will also be installed, reports the Droitwich Standard.

Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: ‘’Replacing broken or damaged pipes, installing additional gullies and culverts are just some of the things our highways team will be doing over the coming months across the county.

“These ‘wetspots’ are known areas which cause seasonal issues but are not easily resolved. By working with adjacent landowners and other key stakeholders, measures have been put in place to stop water flowing on to local roads and pavements.

“We’ve had a challenging few years with unprecedented amounts of rain, causing significant flooding issues for many residents.

“So, as well as keeping the gullies clear and clean as part of our general maintenance programme, this extra investment will help to ensure the county’s drainage system is fit for the future,” he added.