WORK on a £40,000 flood prevention scheme aimed at protecting homes and a nature reserve got underway this week.

The Environment Agency is carrying out repairs to its culvert in the sea bank, which links the RSPB Freiston Shore reserve with tidal salt marsh.

Agency officials say the work is vital as, if the culvert was to collapse, the sea defence would also be at risk of failure, leaving inland properties and the reserve at the mercy of the sea.

Spokesman Ian Russell told the Target: "This work will help to ensure nearby properties and Freiston Shore reserve are protected from flooding.

"We have worked closely with the RSPB and Natural England to minimise potential disruption to this sensitive environment while the work is taking place."

The repair work, which is expected to take up to six weeks and includes pressure grouting the culvert and surrounding ground, will mean a small area of land next to the culvert and the path that runs along the top section of the sea defence bank will be closed to the public.

As a result, a circular walk around the reserve lagoons will not be possible while the main footpath past the bird hide will also be closed for short periods at the beginning and end of the work to allow machinery to travel along it.

Mr Russell said: "While some disturbance is inevitable due to the type of work being carried out, we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum.

"The Environment Agency apologises for any inconvenience but this work is essential to protect people and property and for the future of Freiston Shore RSPB reserve.

"We hope visitors to the reserve understand this and will not allow it to detract from their enjoyment of the area."

Once the agency's work is completed, the RSPB plans to install a new pipeline to enhance the operation of water level and salinity control within the reserve.