CONSTRUCTION work on a multi-million flood alleviation scheme in Stokesley has started.

The £3.7m scheme in Stokesley began with preparation works to help manage the river flow of the River Leven, allowing for the main construction works to progress.

Once complete in spring 2021, the scheme will improve flood protection to 509 properties in the town.

It is part of the current six year capital investment programme which will see government funding of £2.6bn to better protect 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion between 2015 and 2021.

One of the initial elements of the works is the temporary closure of a footpath across the A173 starting on Monday, October 12.

This action, agreed with North Yorkshire County Council, will be in place until the end of the programme.

The contractors will only close footpaths if it is strictly necessary for certain stages of the work.

Leila Huntington, the Environment Agency's flood risk manager for the North-East, said: “This is a project that will benefit residents, businesses, the local economy and local wildlife.

“With the impacts of climate change we are seeing changes in weather patterns and an increase in flood risk.

"The improved flood defence at Stokesley, which is part of the government’s current flood risk capital investment programme, plays a crucial role in better protecting the wider community from the risk of flooding into the future.”