RESIDENTS forced to leave their homes after the devastating floods in Hollywood and Wythall earlier this year are starting 2019 still homeless.

More than 300 properties were wrecked by the unprecedented storm in May which had a disastrous impact on local residents, businesses, and infrastructure.

Many residents were forced to relocate in order to allow repairs to be carried out and some seven months later, many have still not returned to their homes, and are getting nowhere with insurance companies.

A recently published report which details the findings of an investigation into the flooding confirms many residents are still not able to go home.

It admits that it would not be possible to prevent the same thing happening again due to it not being "practically possible" to design and construct drainage infrastructure which would contain a similar flood.

It does say that the drainage infrastructure and watercourse network was in generally good order, simply overwhelmed.

The report, by Worcestershire County Council, confirms approximately two months' worth of rain (130mm) fell in just two hours (exceeding anything experienced during the infamous 2007 flood event) and it was impossible for watercourses and drainage / sewer infrastructure to cope with the extra water.

Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, councillor Tony Miller, said: "This was a terrible and very significant event for the Hollywood community and many residents will feel its effect years to come.

"It's clear that the flooding was caused by the sheer scale of the rainfall but I'm pleased to see that there is no complacency and that potential ways to reduce the likelihood and severity of any future flooding are being thoroughly explored and developed along with ways in which we might improve our response."

One of the outcomes of the report was to establish a multi-agency Hollywood Flood Risk Management Plan Group as well as encourage people to form a local community flood action group.

Cllr Miller added: "I am confident that the new multi-agency group will develop and implement an appropriate action plan and I urge impacted residents to consider joining together to form a local group to help shape, steer and deliver the emerging plans."

It is estimated that the floods will end up costing in excess of £15m.

To read the report, go to worcestershire.gov.uk/hollywoodflood.