FEARS of flooding for householders in Parkend and Whitecroft are to be alleviated by a £600,000 drainage scheme which has just got under way.
Severn Trent Water is re-laying about 500 metres of sewers with large diameter pipes to take extra water storage space when the Cannop Brook is running at high levels.
The work means Fancy Road, Parkend and New Road, between Whitecroft and Parkend, will have to be closed while the work is carried out. The project started at the weekend when Fancy Road was closed where it bridges the brook.
The whole project is expected to be completed by the end of March.
"We have been working closely with Gloucestershire County Council to ensure that necessary diversions are in place and that any disruption is kept to a minimum," said Larry Barnes, Severn Trent's network field services manager.
"Heavy rain is becoming more frequent which can mean an increase in flooding.
"This work will help to provide extra storage on the system during times of heavy rain and help to provide extra protection for two homes in New Road and one home and the car park of the Fountain Inn pub in Crown Lane."