STEPS to reduce the impact of flooding in Bewdley are underway as the Environment Agency (EA) begins work on installing the first phase of property level protection (PLP).

Assessments have been carried out on 11 properties in Beales Corner to identify the sources of flood risk, potential routes for floodwater, and options to reduce damage from future flood events.

The survey, led by contractor Watertight, identified the most appropriate PLP measures for each individual property, before installation begins between June and July.

Defence measures include flood gates, removable doors, and air-brick barriers designed to close when floodwater attempts to pass through.

Dan Wilkinson, from the EA, said: "Our contractor has completed detailed surveys on 11 properties in preparation for the installation of flood resistance and resilience measures.

"This work will be delivered in phases, with the first round of installation on the 11 properties already surveyed taking place in the next six to eight weeks.

"Following this the remainder of the properties will be surveyed and measures installed according to flood risk status."

Bewdley residents were made aware of the new measures during an individual property survey report sent in November 2015, with work initially expected to begin in March.

In a public meeting at Bewdley Baptist Church in January, the EA revealed the scheme will install protection in 45 properties at Wribbenhall/Beales Corner over a 12-month period.

In the current system, 19 properties benefit from the temporary barriers at Beales Corner, which protected properties on three of the ten occasions they have been used.

Residents previously raised concerns over plans to remove the temporary flood barriers, but the EA confirmed they will remain until 2020.

Mr Wilkinson added: "It is still the case for the flood barriers to remain, alongside PLP.

"We are currently working on a partnership approach with Bewdley Town Council and members of the local community, including members of the Wribbenhall Flood Group, in order to continue with the temporary barriers in the short term."