Flood defences News

The Prime Minister's spokesman has hit back at suggestions the Government is not doing enough to improve flood defences.

What we've seen in recent days is an exceptional amount of rain falling, often on water-logged ground and floods happening in some cases very, very quickly.

We have prioritised flood protection and we are investing considerable amounts to ensure homes are protected properly

The figures show that £2.17 billion is being spent over four years, he said.

The Government was investing more annually than at any time over the past decade, except in 2009-10.

• UK
• Downing Street
• Flood defences

Residents of the village of Kempsey in Worcestershire were caught off guard by a flash flood in the early hours of Sunday morning.

As ITV News' Midlands Correspondent Rupert Evelyn explains, the village had recently celebrated the installation of flood defences on the nearby River Severn.

Dan Spiers and his family had to be rescued by the Fire Service in a boat. He told ITV News that his son was woken up to find water in his bedroom.

• UK
• Lincolnshire
• Flood defences