In pictures: Staffordshire flood defences will protect 100 homes and kick-start economy

Plans outlining the scheme for Rugeley, including artist impressions, went on display at the town's leisure centre with residents asked for their views on the deign.

The project, which involves building a 1,082 feet long and nine feet high embankment along Western Springs Road to safeguard homes and businesses, will cost up to £2 million.

It is hoped the funding can be secured from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

The scheme, which is being carried out in partnership between the Environment Agency, Cannock Chase District Council and Staffordshire County Council, will also attract new businesses to the town leading to the creation of 330 jobs.

Will Groves, flood risk advisor for the Environment Agency, said: "We started drawing up these plans in July. We had to understand the flood risk. We are now asking people to give their thoughts on the design.

"The next step will be to secure the money. It is going to cost between £1.5m and £2m.

"We are hoping to do this in 2016, but it will be down to securing funding."

Council bosses have said that protecting sites at risk from flooding will mean business, leisure and housing development can take place in previously avoided areas.

The embankment will border Hagley playing fields, which would be out of use for the six months it takes to build the flood defences.

It is expected that normal use of the playing fields will resume after the work is finished.

Jamie Cooper, flood risk officer for Staffordshire County Council, said the scheme would help reduce the potential risks of flooding to properties and help unlock development opportunities in Rugeley town centre.

Stan Deakin, aged 78, of Hagley Drive, Rugeley, welcomed the scheme when he turned up to view the plans.

He said: "The idea seems to be relatively sound. I live nearby so had questions about access. It's difficult to predict how bad it will get so I can see they have to plan ahead."

Councillor Ray Jones, who represents Etching Hill and the Heath, also went to look at the plans when they first went on show.

He said: "The potential of flooding is preventing improvements in the town centre. Until this scheme is done it is putting the development of the town on hold.

"This will be good for the area but the scheme also needs to incorporate repairing the collapsed bridge on Rising Brook so there are not further flooding problems."

Ian Jackson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Cannock Chase, welcomed the scheme, but added: "I think they should take it further to reduce the potential for flooding even more."