A multi-millon pound scheme to help protect residents’ homes and businesses from the risk of flooding is now underway in the Water End area of York.

The £3.2million scheme starts after an extensive public consultation by the Environment Agency over the past two years. The work will help to reduce the flood risk to over 300 homes and businesses in the area.

The defence work will consist of building a brick-clad flood wall that will be approximately 300 metres long, along the section of Water End between Landing Lane and the river bridge. Flood defences will also be installed around Landing Lane. The existing embankment behind Swinerton Avenue and the park land behind St Barnabas School will also be raised as part of the scheme.

To stop river water entering Yorkshire Water’s sewerage system, a series of underground valves called penstocks will be upgraded. Innovative remedial work will also help to decrease seepage through existing flood embankments.

Helen Tattersdale, Environment Agency project manager, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local community and our key partner, City of York Council, and have produced a scheme that will reduce the risk of flooding and help to give residents greater peace of mind. Construction has now begun and we aim to complete the works as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Temporary footpath and cycleway closures will be in place from Monday 8 April. Residents with queries about the scheme are welcome to drop in at the site compound at any time.

The works are expected to be completed by December 2013. More information on the scheme click here