WORK has begun on a flood prevention scheme to protect more than 250 homes.

The Environment Agency began work on the Ponteland Flood Alleviation Scheme on Monday.

The scheme will see improvements to the existing Environment Agency flood defences in the town, form part of the defences along the southern side of the River Pont, next to Callerton Lane.

The EA say the proposed works will ensure more than 250 homes in the Ponteland area.

Although the programme is not expected to be completed until Spring 2021, it is anticipated that there will be minimal disruption to road users and pedestrians, as the majority of the improvements will be built on private land at the rear of Lane Nurseries and the Auberne property between Callerton Lane and the foot bridge at he Memorial Hall.

Contractors on-site will also have to adhere to social distancing and PPE regulations.

Earlier this year, Northumberland County Council carried out surface water drainage work on behalf of the Environment Agency for the Ponteland Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The work aims to capture surface water that has the potential to flood properties in the Mayfair Gardens area during extreme weather.

The scheme has also benefitted from the Government's decision to invest a further £1.4 million into flood defence schemes in the district.

Ponteland is at risk of flooding from the River Pont and Fairney Burn, and has previously suffered localised surface water flooding.

The Ponteland scheme was allocated an additional £450,000 towards the £3m total cost.

The funding was welcomed by Coun. Nick Oliver, Northumberland County Council's member on the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

MP Guy Opperman also praised the funding boost, which also provided an extra £1 million for Hexham.