THE Environment Agency has completed £35,000 worth of flood defence work along the River Severn.

The agency has repaired more than a mile of tidal flood bank near Oldbury Nuclear Power Station, which protects an area of low lying land containing approximately 100 properties.

The stretch had suffered extensive erosion caused by debris washed ashore on high spring tides.

During the work the agency removed 10 trailer loads of tidal debris including old washing machines, tree branches, tyres and plastic bottles.

During an ecological study workers also found two rare plants, the sea clover and slender hare’s ear, which were relocated for the duration of the works and then returned to their original position.

The Environment Agency re-profiled 1,800-metres of embankment and a special biodegradable matting was used on the repaired sections of bank to protect growing vegetation.

Simon Masterman, from the Environment Agency, said: "We faced some interesting challenges with this project, but with efficient planning, careful timing and close liaison with Natural England it was successfully completed on time."