New flood defence measures should protect around 250 homes and businesses from flooding.

The programme of improvements by Harrow Borough Council includes building new flood defence structures and installing additional drains in roads.

It focused on 80 locations identified as most at risk of flooding and where floods have caused most disruption in the past.

The council built bypass structures, which carry excess water from rivers, as well as new and additional “gullies” at the side of road, into which rainwater can flow.

Hatch End Town Centre has been the focus of some of the measures, as the area has historically been affected by floods.

Severe thunderstorms in the past led to road closures, causing major disruption for residents and businesses.

Julian Maw, of Hatch End Association, said: “There has been a noticeable improvement since the work was done.

"There has been no more flooding and we haven’t seen any of the disruption that we saw in the past.”

The new flood defences will protect roads from water damage in the future and also make roads safer and minimise disruption. It will also save the council money on future clear-up costs after floods.

Council leader Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar said the authority is committed to keeping the borough clean, green and safe.

Around 7,700 properties in Harrow are deemed to be at risk of flooding, but the council is a 'lead local flood authority' which means it delivers a number of critical flood alleviation schemes every year.