New anti-flood defences are being unveiled which Environment Agency bosses hope prevent two parts of Birmingham being devastated by water ever again.

Residents are being invited to look at the plans to protect local homes and businesses in the Perry Barr and Witton areas.

The area has long been hit by serious flooding – in 2007 the River Tame burst its banks causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A number of changes are set to be made including building new walls, extra defences and removal of some sewers.

The Perry Barr and Witton Flood Risk Management scheme stretches from the One Stop Shopping Centre in Perry Barr to Hurricane Business Park, near Bromford.

Drop-in sessions for residents to go along and look at the plans have been scheduled for May 10 and 11.

Rachel Ranger, Environment Agency Project Manager, said: “We’d like residents and businesses to come along and talk to us about proposals for the flood defences.

Like all major rivers, the River Tame has a history of flooding. In June and July 2007, there was widespread flooding to areas along the River Tame – including areas of Perry Barr and Witton.

“We have collected information from these flood events and are working to improve the defences in the Perry Barr and Witton area. This is a chance for people to let us know what they think about the proposed designs.”

There are 1,408 properties at risk within the floodplain through the Perry Barr and Witton section of the River Tame; this includes 774 residential and 634 commercial properties.

At the sessions Environment Agency staff will be on hand to provide information about the scheme, and there will be an opportunity to raise questions or comments.

They are taking place from 12-6pm on May 10 and 10am-2pm on May 11 at Witton Community Centre, 150 Deykin Avenue, B6 7BU.

• To see a pdf of the plans, click here.

Anyone unable to attend the drop-in sessions can comment by emailing witton.frms@environment-agency.gov.uk or calling: 07540 630938.

More information on the scheme can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/perrybarr .