A £179,000 scheme for alleviating flooding around Malvern Hills has been approved this week by the district council.

At a meeting on Tuesday, the executive committee approved the launch of an action plan to help alleviate flooding from non-river sources.

The council commissioned a report from BWB Consultancy to look specifically at flood problems caused by overflowing ditches and surface water run-off.

The consultants spent the last year talking to district and parish councillors and landowners to find out where flood hotspots exist, what needs to be done, and who is responsible.

Among the areas identified are Elgar Avenue and Lower Howsell Road in Great Malvern, Lake Farm and Drake Street in Welland, Callow End, Corse Lawn, Suckley and the Grove at Ryall.

The report contains proposals for flood alleviation, such as improvements to drainage and better maintenance.

Coun Ralph Madden, interim leader of MHDC, said: “The 2007 floods were incredibly devastating for the district, which is why it was important that we commissioned a report that would provide a clear understanding of causes and what could be done to prevent future incidents of flooding.

"Now we have a defined action plan we, together with our partners and other local agencies, will do everything we can to support local communities and provide solutions to flooding caused by drainage problems.”