A MAJOR road into Wisbech town centre is to be closed to traffic from tomorrow while vital works to protect homes and businesses from flooding take place. The Environment Agency is currently working to improve flood defences on the town s South Brink. The

A MAJOR road into Wisbech town centre is to be closed to traffic from tomorrow while vital works to protect homes and businesses from flooding take place.

The Environment Agency is currently working to improve flood defences on the town's South Brink. The road closure is necessary to ensure heavy machinery does not pose a danger to drivers.

Motorists will be unable to access the South Brink, between Coalwharf Road and Somers Road, from tomorrow. The Environment Agency is aiming to complete the piling work by December 4 and re-open the road using traffic lights. Pedestrian access will not be affected.

A diversion, via Weasenham Lane and the A1101 Churchill Road, will be put in place while the works are carried out. All businesses will be open as usual including access to Somers Road Car Park.

Environment Agency Project Manager Andrew Usborne said: "We understand the inconvenience these works are causing to motorists, businesses and residents alike but we hope they will understand how important they are for the town's future flood protection.

"Our contractors are working six days a week to ensure the road is closed for as short a period as possible to minimise disruption in the run-up to Christmas.

"The first length of works are already about 90 per cent complete and are currently running ahead of schedule."

Information posters and a suggestion box are available at Wisbech Tourist Information Centre and a display board in Market Square has been updated to enable people to find out the latest information about the works.

The Wisbech flood protection scheme is being carried out in partnership with Interserve, EC Harris and Atkins.

Piles are being driven into the riverbank and these will then be clad in concrete and bricks. The work, which is expected to take six months to complete, will maintain the town's current level of flood protection for 10,500 homes and 1,200 businesses into the future.

The first pile was put in place by contractor Ivor King on Monday, 12 October.