A YEAR of construction has started on Northwich town centre's flood defences.

The Environment Agency has completed two weeks of preparation work, including tree felling and building a headquarters, and has now begun work on the defences themselves at Weaver Way and Whalley Road playing field.

The agency is keen to reassure residents that trees will be replanted and that staff want to work closely with the community.

Mark Garratt, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: "The defences will reduce the risk of flooding to 500 homes and businesses in Northwich.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure the defences tie into the existing landscape and enhance the local environment.

"We will be using innovative construction methods such as glass panels and demountable defences to preserve the town’s connection with the water front.

"Over the last two weeks we have removed a number of trees prior to the bird nesting season, so that we can start works on site in March. "In most cases where trees have been removed, we will replant once the work is complete and we have a comprehensive landscaping plan in place to manage this.

"Our site compound is now in place, situated opposite Northwich Old fire station.

"Once we are up and running we will organising regular drop ins so that people can visit the compound to look at our plans and discuss the scheme with our team.

"It’s important to us that we continue to work closely with the local community during the construction phase.”

The Environment Agency and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) have secured £5 million to design and build a sustainable flood risk management scheme in Northwich.

Half of the money is from a special growth fund set up by the Government following extensive flooding across the UK in 2012.

CWAC leader Cllr Mike Jones said “With £130million of new investment and the creation of around 1,600 new jobs for local people, the future of Northwich is brighter than it had been for many many years.

"Reducing the risk of flooding can only further boost the confidence of investors and ensure that Northwich continues to prosper."

Construction drawings are available on Cheshire West and Chester’s planning portal, reference 14/04154/FUL.