A £720,000 flood defence scheme aimed at protecting houses and factories in Lydney has been formally opened by Forest MP, Mark Harper.

The scheme has involved the construction of a new flood wall and flood embankments along Station Road and Mead Lane, using clay sourced from Awre.

Work on the defences took place throughout the summer and the Environment Agency believes it will reduce the risk of flooding to one per cent in any given year.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Harper said: "It's nice to be here at the end of things, having been involved from the very start.

"I am delighted that the town of Lydney is now betteer protected by flood defences because of the joint work of the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire County Council and the Forest of Dean District Council. This is a very welcome scheme to reduce the real risks of flooding which the residents of Lydney have always faced."

Cllr David Cooksley said: "Potential flooding in Lydney has always been a real concern. It is extremely good news to see that this area has, at last, been protected for future generations."

And John Thurston, chairman of Watts Group, which has strongly supported the scheme, said: "We welcome this scheme as the extra costs and inconvenience arisinig from increased frequency of flood events had deterred many tenants,

resulting in empty buildings.

"I am now hoping we can attract new business and employment as well as retaining existing jobs."