WORK will begin before Christmas on a multi-million pound scheme to install removable flood barriers along the River Severn in Bewdley after the Government gave the final thumbs-up.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed funding will be granted for the flood alleviation scheme alongside Severnside North and South, which will involve demountable steel barriers and flood walls and will cost up to £6.5 million.

Environment Agency project manager Roger Prestwood said: "This is the news we have been waiting for, as it means we can start work on Severnside North scheme before Christmas and protect the residents of Bewdley as quickly as possible."

The first phase of the scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, will be completed by Birse Construction next summer and work is expected to start on Severnside South soon after.

The river wall has already been cleaned and repointed ahead of the work, with 40 metres having been rebuilt.