PARISH councils are being given extra powers in a new scheme piloted by Worcestershire County Council.

Eight councils have agreed to take on delegated powers to deal with any drainage problems on their patch directly.

They will be given dedicated funding from the county council and will act immediately to sort out blockages as soon as they are reported.

Currently, parish council officers have to contact the county council's highways partnership units based at the six district councils.

The new duties delegated to them will include clearing grates and gullies, keeping drains clear and advising landowners when their ditches are in need of clearing.

Other works may include cleaning dirty road signs and cutting back overhanging vegetation on footpaths.

"This new initiative reinforces the county council's commitment to supporting parish councils by giving them more power and local responsibility," said Coun John Smith, cabinet assistant for environment and sustainability.

The pilot scheme will start in September and be reviewed at the end of March next year.

The county council has agreed to provide funding to pay for between 20 and 35 hours a month.

The councils that have signed up to the scheme are: Martley, Astley and Dunley, Hanley Castle, Rock, Bedford, Little Comberton, Leigh and Bransford and Clifton-on-Teme.

For further details, call 01905 766844.