A TRIAL project to measure rainfall with a view to managing the risk of flooding looks set to take place in Droitwich.

If planning permission is granted by Wychavon District Council, five rain gauges will be located on poles around the town to collect useful data which will help alleviate the impact of potential floods.

In 2007 Droitwich was hit by severe flooding, leaving the High Street submerged, in some places, in 15ft of water.

The pioneering gauge project was proposed by Wychavon Council in conjunction with Hydrologic Group/ISODAQ Technology of Bromyard, at a meeting of the council's Executive Board on Wednesday, November 25.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Rob Adams said: "I think it is an exciting project."

In a report to the board, Tony Jones, engineering services manager at Wychavon Council, said: "We have been working with Hydrologic for a number of years as a result of developing our early flood warning system and there are clear benefits to the Council to be involved in this project.

"We have been approached by them to supply suitable sites in our ownership to test these new rain gauges and once the tests are completed we will be able to gain access to the information to assist in flood risk management. This will be particularly useful to the Engineering Team especially after flood events."

The next step will be to submit planning applications for permission to erect the gauges, which are likely to be placed in car parks and green spaces around Droitwich.

Planning permission is needed as the devices would be positioned on poles more than four metres high, exceeding the permitted development height.

Mr Jones' report stated the council must consider the planning application by Monday, January 7, for the joint scheme to go ahead.

If the first five gauges are successful, further set will be proposed for more locations across the district.