‘Wet weather delays important flood defence work’

David Prisk, from the Canal and River Trust, says recent heavy rains have delayed vital work to ensure built-up areas remain protected.

"It takes several weeks to empty the reservoir and we were hoping to finish it before now.

"But during this winter, we have had nine named storms, we've had the wettest February on record, we've had 50% more rain this winter than the average for the last 20 years.

"So we have just suffered by the amount of rain."