PEOPLE in Worcester's Hylton Road have been urged to sign up to the Environment Agency's early warning system in preparation for autumn and winter floods.

After a wet summer, the ground in the River Severn catchment area is waterlogged and there has already been flooding on the upper reaches of the river.

Under a draft action plan drawn up by Worcester City Council, Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency, temporary flood barriers will be set up in Hylton Road to protect homes and businesses if there is a risk of local flooding.

Automatic voice

Occupiers of properties at risk have been asked to provide contact telephone numbers so that they can be alerted in advance by an automatic voice messaging system.

"Should a flood happen tomorrow, then everything is ready to go," said Mary Dhonau, chairman of Worcester Action Against Flooding.

"We are just preparing everyone, because the chance of flooding is quite high."

Environment Agency spokesman Oliver Blackburn said there was no serious cause for concern at the moment, but it was "that time of year."

He advised people to keep an eye on the weather, listen to TV and radio and, if in doubt, to call the Floodline on 0845 9881188 for local information.