RELIEF is at hand for the flood-hit residents of Wribbenhall.

Plans to construct a temporary barrier to protect houses was outlined at a public meeting in Bewdley on Tuesday.

Representatives from the Environment Agency explained plans to place a pallet barrier along the River Severn at Beales Corner on the Stourport Road.

Severn Trent Water must first carry out work on the drainage system and this will begin next month.

Ian Morris, the agency's area flood defence manager, said: "It will take five weeks and after that we can put the defence up where and when it is required."

Peter Barnett, chairman of Bewdley Residents Flood Committee, said if it proved successful, members would be looking to get a permanent solution.

Residents were also brought up to date with other flood developments in the town including the final phase of the work on Severn Side South.

Mr Barnett said: "At the meeting, one of the things that was said was how well everybody feels the work is progressing and how courteous and willing to work with the community the contractors have been."

Mr Morris said: "There were two sets of residents there - the residents that have been affected by the scheme on Severn Side South and the residents that will be affected by the temporary barrier we will be putting up. It was a positive meeting."

He added: "The major scheme on Severn Side South should be completed by early January but we can actually use it as a defence in November."

Mark Baynton, flood incident management officer, gave details of changes to the flood warning scheme, which meant flood watches would be based on river levels rather than weather forecasts, resulting in more accurate warnings.

Around 100 residents attended the meeting hosted by the flood committee and were given the opportunity to raise any concerns and ask questions.