WORCESTER has been named as the sixth worst place in the country for flooding.

The city was fifth worst in 2017, although the number of homes that were flooded in Worcester increased last year.

Analysis by MoneySuperMarket found that 1.7 per cent of properties in the city were flooded in 2017, compared to 1.8 per cent in 2018.

The majority of the flooding hotspots in the UK were hit harder in 2018 in part because of the snow from the ‘Beast from the East’ last year.

Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the Know Your Flood Risk campaign, who lives in Worcester, said: “Flooding is increasing due to climate change.

“We are witnessing far more intensive rainfall that hits the ground running. You have an increase in surface water flooding.

“Worcester is on a floodplain. The River Severn makes the city prone to flooding.

“Even if you don’t actually live on the river the plain goes way back from the river.

“There’s also inappropriate building on the floodplain.

“Also we are having more people paving over their driveways and unwittingly raising their flood risk, due to hard surfaces.”

Tom Flack, head of MoneySuperMarket, said residents should take basic steps to protect their homes.

He added: “If you do live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to consider what you can do to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions. Taking precautions to avoid a claim will not only help keep a lid on your premium, but should also give you cheaper options next time you shop around to renew your policy.”