AN INVENTOR from Wolverley claims he has developed a new home flood defence.

Paul Crompton, 58, has developed “task boards”, which fit together to create a fence-like structure which, he says, is “completely watertight”.

He explained: “Two years ago, I was developing a replacement for scaffolding planks and I was asked if the design could also be used for fencing.

“When I saw it could be used for that as well, I realised that if I put rubbers on the ends of the boards I could make it watertight.

“I didn’t intend to go into the flood barrier market and it’s more by default that we’ve got here.”

Mr Crompton, manufacturing director of Task Green Ltd, said there was “multi-million-dollar” interest in the product.

“It’s currently made in China,” he added. “Some volumes will be made in Tewkesbury later this year by Masco, an international company.”

McVea Parker, a Stourport firm, is in discussions to become the distributor of the product for Wyre Forest.

The barrier is made from recycled materials, which will last at least 25 years, Mr Crompton said.

“At the moment, all flood barriers are aluminium structures and quite expensive. I think I’ve got something here that people can use effectively around their own houses.”

The barrier has also gained interest from flood defence groups, who hope the product can help avoid the devastation caused by the 2007 floods.

Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the National Flood Forum, said: “We always welcome new and innovative solutions to combat the risk of flooding, as they offer the chance to cut down on the devastation and misery that flooding brings to so many people.“