WORK has begun on a flood alleviation scheme in Salcombe, as South West Water aims to construct nearly 2km of new surface water drains and other improvements over the next eight months.

The £1.5m works began in Cliff Road and Robinsons Row earlier this month, with the road closed between Sunnycliff Hotel and Woodwell on Cliff Road until Saturday, December 19, and the footpath closed on Robinsons Row until Friday, December 18.

Further work will start in the town on Monday, January 4, with work on Normandy Way, Herbert Road, Fore Street and Cliff Road bringing significant road closures until the end of February.

Following this, further work will continue until July next year, bringing yet more disruption to the town.

There is a full-time member of staff from South West Water on Fore Street, who will be on site for the duration of the works to provide advice and information to members of the public.

South West Water's project manager Andy Young said: ‘The main purpose of the project is to alleviate flooding to roads and properties and pollution to the estuary.’

For further information on the works and maps detailing the location of the works, visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/salcombe.