People living in an East Staffordshire village hit by flooding have been told £300,000-plus plans are being drawn up to solve issues after homes were badly damaged when a brook burst its banks for the latest time.

Agencies which deal with flooding got together at a meeting to discuss issues in Marchington, and told locals that plans were in the pipeline to help.

In April, the East Staffordshire village flooded after heavy downpours hit the area in just a few weeks with up to 20 homes in the Church Lane area hit by flooding as Marchington Brook burst its banks.

However, it is not the first time that the brook has burst its banks and homes have been flooded.

The meeting was called by Burton MP Andrew Griffiths, whose constituency includes Marchington, after he had promised residents he would continue to be involved in talks until the problems in the village were solved.

Green Lane, Marchington, on April 2, 2018
Marchington Brook flooded in April

Marchington Brook is prone to bursting its banks when there is heavy rainfall, with plans including work around the brook to the banks to stop issues.

The £308,000 project is made up of £113,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and £195,000 from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Possible solutions which have already been suggested include improving the bridge in Church Lane, raising the banks to stop Marchington Brook overflowing, installing flood-proof infrastructure on under-threat houses and a road closure scheme to stop cars splashing standing water into those houses.

At the meeting, representatives from the Environment Agency and Staffordshire County Council visited Marchington along with the MP and viewed the areas most prone to flooding in the village.

They also spoke to residents and members of the parish council to hear their concerns about the ongoing issue.

Chairman of Marchington Parish Council, Ian Morgan, said: "I was frustrated at the lack of progress by all the well meaning agencies that have been involved with trying to resolve the Marchington flooding problem over the past five to 10 years.

"We needed someone with clout to at least get all these agencies together in one room and Andrew Griffiths succeeded in doing this. He chaired the meeting exceptionally well and promoted a great understanding of the flooding issue.

"It appears we have some agreed progress and a timetable of sorts. We were all looking for the silver bullet to solve the problem but one doesn't seem to exist.

Church Lane, Marchington in 2015
In 2015, Church Lane was submerged under water

"I understand Burton has a much bigger issue with far more homes potentially at risk (4,000 were quoted in Burton versus 30 in Marchington) but we must fight for our residents.

"I cannot praise Andrew Griffiths enough for his role in this and his support, and he has promised to remain involved until some sort of solution can be found."

Tory MP Mr Griffiths organised the meeting in the hope of speeding up the work needed to be done to protect the brook.

He said: "I thought it was important after the delays this scheme has seen for something to spur on the work.

"I am encouraged by the constructive meeting which I believe has been beneficial for everyone that took part.

Church Lane, Marchington in 2015
Water was running through the streets in 2015

"Residents should not have to be fearful about living in their own home each time there is a forecast of heavy rainfall.

"I will continue to press the Environment Agency to make sure that this work is completed as soon as possible so that Marchington residents get the flood protection they need."

It is hoped the latest meeting will lead to plans being put in place to support residents in the area should the village flood again.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "This was a great opportunity for us to meet with the people affected and explain the complexity of the flooding in Marchington.

"We are working with our engineering consultants and partners from Staffordshire County Council and Severn Trent Water to identify the best course of action for reducing the flood risk to the community.

Green Lane, Marchington, on April 2, 2018
The brook burst its banks in April

"This will be challenging, but we realise the importance of this problem and we want to work with them to solve it.

"They have already taken steps to reduce their risk by introducing a road closure scheme in times of flood that will prevent properties being inundated by bow waves from passing traffic.

"We now need to find a solution that is both affordable and acceptable to the local community.

"We have had our engineers in the area over the past few months considering options and have promised to update residents on the progress we have made at the end of July."