New portable barriers will help protect homes and businesses from devastating floods.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has bought 20 of the barriers, which disrupt floods by diverting water safely into nearby drainage systems, rivers and ditches.

Funded by Essex County Council, the barriers are portable and each fit into a small holdall, weighing less than 20kg each.

They can also be connected, creating a barrier totalling 180m.

In Epping Forest, areas around the River Roding such as Abridge have previously been prone to flooding.

Fire service station officer Duncan Lewis said: “Our water barriers will provide an additional defence to properties at risk of flooding while building confidence in communities.

“They are easy to assemble and to pack away, they are light and they are effective against surface water floods, burst hydrants and even tidal surges.

“Flooding can devastate homes and ruin lives.

“By further collaborating with Essex County Council, we are helping make the county a safer place to live.”