A rubbish-filled stream is to be cleared weeks after a blockage caused it to burst its banks flooding dozens of homes in Halesowen.

Dudley Council and the Environment Agency today announced the £6,000 scheme.

This is despite previously denying responsibility for Illey Brook.

But furious residents who were left homeless following September’s devastating floods have hit out at the plans claiming it is “too little, too late.”

The floods sent water pouring into more than 20 premises in Woodman Road, Halesmere Way and Honeybourne Road causing hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage.

Victims claim it could have been avoided if the agency had acted on warnings that the stream was full of rubbish and needed to be dredged. They had been considering legal action after officials said they were responsible for the brook’s upkeep.

Environment Agency workers and council staff are now planning to remove the blockages along a mile-stretch of the brook.

But father-of-two Andrew Hadley of Halesmere Road, who saw his car and downstairs furniture ruined in the flood says action should have been taken sooner.

The 45-year-old said: “At least they are doing something now but it has come far too late.” Work to clear the stream is due to start on Monday and is expected to be completed in three weeks.