LARGE scale work has started in the centre of Northwich to protect the town from flood.

Flood defences are being installed in nine sections along the River Dane and River Weaver in a bid to reduce flooding too 700 homes and businesses.

The work, which includes building flood walls and embankments, ground raising, flood gates and demountable defences, is being jointly funded by the Environment Agency, the Government and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

Construction is currently being carried out in three main areas.

Work at Northwich Quay has begun and is expected to cause some temporary disruption, although access to the marina will be maintained.

This stage should be completed in November.

Work has also started on the right bank of the River Dane and includes the creation of a working area in the park at the corner of Dane Street and Watling Street and along the river bank.

Businesses in the area will remain open throughout the construction and work will start at Weaver Court in September.

Building work will also take place at the Bullring when the Environment Agency will use a piling rig on a pontoon in the Weaver Navigation.

The piling work, which started on Monday, is expected to last for three weeks.

Mark Garratt, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager, said: "Work to reduce flood risk has progressed well on Weaver Way, Water Street and Marine Approach Park.

"We’re now commencing the most intensive and large scale phase of works on the Bullring, Hayhurst Quay Marina and on the right bank of the River Dane.

"While there will be some short term disruption, these flood defences are a huge long term, gain for people and businesses in Northwich."

Cllr Brian Clarke, CWAC's executive member for economic development and infrastructure, said: "The council continues to work in partnership with the Environment Agency on this vital flood defence for the on-going regeneration of Northwich.

"The scheme will help to secure the future prosperity of Northwich, increasing confidence of investors in the area and protect the town centre from serious flooding for many years to come."