Bewdley has flooded several times in recent years

Portable flood barriers have already been installed on the north side of the town.

This latest scheme will see barriers installed along the south side, protecting an extra 175 properties.

Worcestershire's innovative flood defence system has already won a major engineering award from the Institute of Civil Engineers.

It combines extensive underground defences and drainage pipes with a portable aluminium barrier.

The system can be quickly installed when flooding is expected and taken down again once the danger has passed.

Bewdley has been hit by several floods, including the worst in more than 50 years in November 2000.