ENVIRONMENT Minister Rebecca Pow has provided an update on when permanent flood barriers in Bewdley will be installed. 

Last year an investment of more than £6 million into new permanent flood barriers for Beales Corner was announced by the minister. 

Around 40 homes were evacuated after a severe flood warning was put in place. 

Properties were flooded after the river burst its bank, with its height reaching a peak of 5.3m.

Speaking about the plans for a permanent solution, Rebecca Pow told The Shuttle: "It’s obviously sad for the people and I have great sympathy for the people there that have been flooded.

“But I think there’s a great feeling of optimism amongst them.

“The plans are well underway, they’re complicated because we have got a whole lot of utilities in the area.

“It’s a heritage area so we’ve got the properties to deal with. They don’t want to spoil the look of the town.

“All of that in terms of design has got to be taken into consideration.”

The new defences are expected to protect well over a hundred properties, with work set to start next year. 

Mrs Pow has praised the Environment Agency’s "phenomenal effort" in supporting the whole of the town during the River Severn flooding, which was caused by the recent storms.