Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan has praised plans to for a major £3.4 million flood defence scheme in the historic area of Chesham.

Yesterday Bucks County Council (BCC) unveiled flood management plans for the Pednormead End area of Chesham’s old town – and residents have been urged to sign up to the scheme.

Proposals include building a bigger culvert under Church Street and offering every home at risk a package of flood prevention measures.

Dame Cheryl said: “Having worked closely with the Environment Agency after the flash flooding five years ago, I am pleased that this scheme will protect homes.

“At that time, the culverts under homes needed a lot of remedial work to ensure that water could drain away properly.”

More than 130 homes, businesses and a school in the Church Street area of Pednormead End are “at risk” from flooding due to excessive surface water and the nearby River Chess - which bursts its banks during heavy downpours.

Chesham has been blighted by floods three times in the past 18 years – with the last in 2014 when roads were covered in two inches of water.

A drop-in information session will be held to provide more information to residents – however a date is yet to be confirmed.