WORK has now begun on flood prevention improvements along the South Brink at Wisbech. The road will close to through traffic for up to four weeks from next month while the work is carried out. The work will improve protection against flooding for 10,500 h

WORK has now begun on flood prevention improvements along the South Brink at Wisbech.

The road will close to through traffic for up to four weeks from next month while the work is carried out.

The work will improve protection against flooding for 10,500 homes and 1,200 businesses in Wisbech.

The first pile was driven into the river bank on the South Brink, between Cromwell Road and Coalwharf Road, on Monday.

This marks a milestone in an Environment Agency flood defence project which is being carried out in partnership with Interserve, EC Harris and Atkins.

The piling works are necessary to maintain the current level of flood protection along the South Brink.

They form part of a larger construction project during which flood defences along the North and South Brinks outside of the town were either replaced or refurbished and extra courses of bricks installed.

It is expected that the piling, which is being carried out by contractor Ivor King using a vibration method to minimise noise, will be completed by early December.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place on the South Brink and will remain in place for up to four weeks.

After this, the road is expected to be closed to traffic until early December and diversions will be in place.

Project Manager Andrew Usborne, of the Environment Agency, said: "The Environment Agency would like to thank everyone for their patience while the work is going ahead and while the temporary traffic lights are in place.

"We are very grateful for the public's understanding while we carry out this vital construction work which will ensure homes and businesses in and around Wisbech are better protected against flooding into the future."

The footpath along South Brink will remain open throughout the flood defence improvement works.

An information poster and suggestion box, will be available at Wisbech Tourist Information Centre and regular updates will be posted on a display board in Market Square.