FLOOD defences are to be bolstered further in Gloucestershire following a £115,000 investment from the county council.

This money adds to the £758,000 already pledged to reduce the risk of flooding across 13 schemes in the county, allowing three further schemes to be opened.

The plans are aimed at preventing flooding in more than 700 homes which have been flooded more than once since 2007.

The three extra schemes are in Upper Lydbrook, Stroud Road in Tuffley and Sheepscombe Brook and Dillay Brook in the Stroud valleys.

The total cost of £1.3m for all 16 schemes will cut the risk of flooding for over 700 homes in the county; all of which have previously flooded on one or more occasions since 2007.

Preparation for these projects is starting immediately and the county council expects most of the work to be finished in this financial year.

Councillor Vernon Smith, Lead Cabinet Member for Highways and Flood, said: "I know how devastating flooding can be and that's why this council has looked, listened, and taken the decision to invest even more money into these schemes.

"It's great that these improvements are being carried out so quickly. I know this work will make a huge difference."

A full list of the 16 schemes can be found below:

• Lakeside Avenue, Lydney

• Rea Lane, Gloucester

• Tirley and Chaceley

• Newent

• Deans Walk, Gloucester

• Highclere Road Quedgeley

• Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester

• Brockweir

• Priors Farm Estate, Oakley

• Moreton in Marsh

• Frampton on Severn

• Upper Lydbrook

• Stroud Road, Tuffley

• Sheepscombe Brook and Dillay Brook, Stroud Valleys