VILLAGERS in Broadway are ready to sign affidavits to move forward a flood alleviation scheme for Mill Avenue.

A number of residents in the Avenue agreed with parish councillors that an expensive reservoir scheme drawn up by Wychavon District Council may not be necessary.

Instead, they suggested that trenches may be all that is needed to stop water cascading into their homes every time there was persistent heavy rainfall.

The matter was discussed at a parish council meeting last Thursday, which was attended by about 20 residents.

Parish clerk Don Shryane said: "A previous meeting had taken place between some parish councillors, district councillors and highway officials.

"During the meeting it was revealed that a ditch did exist at one time, and if this could be proved then the riparian owners would be liable to clear it out.

"It would only need an affidavit from a number of residents to verify that it was there, which would not be difficult as many people at the meeting remembered it clearly."

Those likely to be responsible for clearing out the disused ditch include a resident in Mill Avenue and the Evesham and Pershore Housing Association.

Villagers are now helping district council officers establish exactly where the ditch used to be before further action is taken.

Carl Craney, head of engineering at Wychavon, said: "As a result of a meeting in the village, our recommendation to reinstate the ditch, is going before district councillors on July 10."

Mary Aston, the housing association's development services manager, said: "We are waiting formal notification from the district council before we decide on our response."