THE Environment Agency is to investigate how successful Leominster's flood alleviation scheme is.

The investigation comes as part of a £12 million boost to flood defences across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.

It will look at whether the town's scheme continues to offer its designed standards of protection against river flooding to properties in and around the town.

The existing scheme includes earth flood banks upstream of the town and the main river channel through the town – the Kenwater – with its associated earth flood banks and walls.

There is also a further main river bypass channel on the River Lugg which allows flood waters to flow around the town before rejoining the Kenwater below the urbanised area.

The checks will identify if any refurbishment or improvement works are required in the near future.