A VILLAGE plagued by flooding is set to go another winter without any defences.

Severn Stoke may need to survive another winter without flood defences after the Environment Agency revealed it would take several months to provide an update.

The village, on the outskirts of Kempsey, had its village hall previously demolished due to flooding, and its church and pub are regularly impacted. 

The decision comes after the Environment Agency revealed it was having funding and contracting issues.

It will now explore a contract with Worcestershire County Council, but it could take several months to finalise anything.

Residents first started their battle to get flood defences in 2014 after a meeting was held with relevant authorities. 

David Harrison, portfolio holder for Planning, Flooding and Regulatory Services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Unfortunately, we still have floods in Severn Stoke as nothing has been built yet.

"This is critical as the Church and Rose and Crown pub gets damaged with each flood, and the original village hall that we met in 2014 had to be demolished due to floods, being in a dangerous condition and uninsurable.

"This is a matter of urgency and the latest newsletter states that they will report back to the residents towards the end of the year'."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said delivering Severn Stokes flood defences is still a priority. 

It added: “We fully realise and sympathise that all flooding issues are devastating and upsetting for all involved. 

“We are continuing to look at ways to deliver a flood risk management scheme working together with the community and with our partners including Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council.  

“We are in regular contact with the local Flood Action Group and the Parish Council to keep the community informed and updated.

"In the last update, we informed residents that we had been unable to find an affordable contracting route over the winter that complies with the Government procurement rules.

“We are now exploring a contract with Worcestershire County Council and their contractor. 

"It will take several months before we have a further update.

“We have always said that the affordability challenge is the key issue to overcome, which is why, despite Severn Stoke’s long history of flooding, a scheme has never been delivered in the past.

“We remain committed to continuing to explore all options and working in partnership with the community.”