ANTI-FLOODING measures costing £1.4 million will be built in Cradley to keep homes and businesses safe.

The Environment Agency has sanctioned the funding for a new culvert to be built in the embankment of Mousesweet Brook.

The current culvert system is outdated and prone to blockages which increases the danger of serious flooding.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member responsible for flood defence, is delighted the funding has been secured for the new anti-flood measures.

He said: “The existing culvert is made of brick and as a result has deteriorated over the years, reducing the flow of water and making it more prone to blockage.

“We want to carry out some work there to minimise the risk of flooding for nearby residents by replacing the culvert.”

The watercourse forms the boundary with Sandwell, but Dudley Council will be carrying out the work on behalf of both councils.

Cllr Ahmed added: "Initial work including surveys, investigations and the design will start right away, with the main culvert work beginning around May next year.

"It is hoped the work will take around six months to complete."

In 2011 the Environment Agency spent £175,000 to improve the flow of water in Mousesweet Brook.

Hundreds of tonnes of silt and waste from the channel were taken away, the riverbed restored, the bank protected from erosion and meanders created to improve the ecology of the river.

As a result of the work water levels have dropped by more than a metre in places but began to rise subsequently which led planners to recommend a new culvert.