FLOOD-risk areas in Wyre Forest will get thousands of pounds of funding for new defence schemes this year.

Puxton and Stourvale Marshes, Wilden Marsh and Hurcott and Podmore Pools, in Kidderminster and Snuff Mill, Bewdley, will get cash to help reduce the risk of flooding to properties.

The funding for the flood defence projects comes from Defra Local Levy funding raised by the Midlands Flood and Coastal Committees.

A total of £100,000 will be given to protect Puxton and Stourvale Marshes, while Wilden Marsh will receive £40,000.

Hurcott and Podmore pools will get £15,000 funding and £30,000 has been allocated for Snuff Mill.

Anne Wheeler, chairman of Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, said the funding was important to tackle local flooding problems: She said: “The levy funds are valuable in supporting schemes which protect smaller communities that would not otherwise be eligible for full funding. We are grateful for the commitment of all our local authority partners, which helps ensure that residents at threat from flooding will now benefit from increased protection.”

Sarah Fowler, Midlands Flood and Coastal Risk manager, added: “We are really pleased that this funding has been made available for larger projects and to assist smaller communities with flood protection schemes.

“This money will go a long way in making communities more resilient and protecting them from the effects of flooding which, we know, can be devastating.”