A NEW system of flood warnings is to be introduced in Worcestershire after a survey by the Environment Agency found current codes confused people.

The red, amber and yellow warning codes are to be scrapped after a review of the system - instigated by the 1998 Easter floods - found many people failed to understand it.

The survey revealed many people only thought they were at risk when a red warning was issued.

The new system consists of four categories, All Clear, Flood Watch, Flood Warning, and Severe Flood Warning.

To promote the new system, Worcestershire's six district councils, the agency and Worcestershire County Council's Emergency Planning team are holding a Flood Action Week next week.

Senior emergency planning officer for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Helen Braithwaite, said the action week was aimed at raising awareness of the changes.

"This new system ensures people will get better information and advice along with the warnings," she said.

Under the changes, district councils have also become involved in protecting communities during floods, although the Environment Agency remains responsible for issuing warnings.

The new warnings will be: All Clear - no flood watches or warnings in the area: Flood Watch - flooding is possible: Flood Warning - the flooding of homes, businesses and main roads expected: Severe Flood Warning - serious flooding expected with imminent danger to life and property.