WORK has begun on a £300,000 project which will restore deteriorating river banks in Billinghay reducing the chance of flooding.

The work is being carried out by the Environment Agency and includes repairs to areas where the riverbank has slipped toward the channel, settled or its crest is damaged.

The banks will also be widened or reinforced in locations where their narrow width makes maintenance access difficult.

Environment Agency's Andrew Barron said: "The work will help to ensure properties in the village continue to benefit from a reduced risk of flooding.

"As well as reducing flood risk to more than 100 homes and businesses, it will also benefit a nearby sewage treatment works, the main road between Billinghay and Tattershall Bridge and 700 hectares of farmland."

The majority of the work is taking place on land owned by the Environment Agency although some is being carried out on private land with the co-operation of landowners.

Mr Barron added: "We do not anticipate any significant disruption to traffic or pedestrians in the Billinghay area and will do all we can to minimise noise and other impacts.

"We would, however, like to ask people to be aware that we will be using heavy machinery and to make sure they stay away from work areas and supervise children and pets at all times."

Working hours will be restricted to daylight hours and weekend working is not expected to be necessary.

Work started on January 23 and is expected to be completed in early April.

It is being carried out by Environment Agency contractor Interserve Ltd.

To find out more, contact the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood anglian

Anyone who spots something they believe is causing a flood risk, such as fallen trees or debris, should contact the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline by calling 0800 80 70 60.