THIS week marks the one year anniversary of the devastating floods in Hollywood and Wythall which saw residents forced to leave their homes.

A months' worth of rainfall fell in just two hours resulting in more than 260 homes flooding – with some residents only now able to return home.

Over the past year the county and district councils, along with Severn Trent Water Ltd, have been undertaking various investigations, resulting in the publication of a report into the deluge.

The report makes a number of recommendations, many of which have already been implemented.

However, 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.

A survey of the area has been carried out which will allow a model of local water flows to be created.

It is hoped this can be used to test potential ways in which the risk of future flooding might be reduced.

Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: "It’s hard to believe a whole year has passed since this terrible event and we will continue to do our upmost to assist those who are still struggling since returning home. It is important that they know they are not alone and they are definitely not forgotten.

"It is in everyone’s best interest to continue the real community spirit that has formed since the event and to continue to look after the watercourses in the area and prevent blockages. I'm proud of the combined efforts to date but we know that for many residents the impacts are ongoing and that there is still plenty for us all to do.”

The county council recently inspected and cleared every road gulley and culvert and they continue to be closely monitored and maintained.

Bromsgrove District Council recently installed two water level monitors in the area, designed to monitor the depth of water in the brook at these two locations.

When water levels rise beyond a certain depth alerts will be sent to residents.

Any residents who would like to sign up to receive the water depth alerts can contact the North Worcestershire Water Management team on 01562 732 191.