Work is underway on a £5 million flood alleviation project on the Isle of Wight.

Environment Agency (EA) contractors have started building new flood defences in Ryde to protect more than 300 properties in the town.

The first stage involves building a new outfall pipe from the sea wall in front of the existing pump station across Ryde sands to the marina. This will allow more water to be discharged to the sea in heavy rainfall events and a significant reduction in the frequency of river flows overtopping the bank and flooding land and properties in Ryde. It is expected this phase will be completed in July 2018.

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The second and final stage will involve the construction of a flood wall around Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Marymead Close and the river boundary of the BT depot. These works are planned to start in June and be completed by October.

Environment Agency Manager, John O’Flynn, said: "We are delighted to be launching this multi-million pound scheme on the island, which includes over £1 million of partner contributions that will benefit so many local homes and businesses. A sensible approach to funding and a good relationship with our partners has allowed us to begin the work in early spring.

"We'll now be able to minimise disruption to the beach in the summer, avoid environmental constraints (including overwintering birds) and deliver a completed scheme that will reduce the flood risk by the autumn."

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "We are investing £2.6 billion to better protect the country from flooding, including over 1,500 flood defence schemes which will better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.

"The Isle of Wight scheme is an important step in building our resilience, protecting more than 300 homes and businesses locally and giving people all important peace of mind."

(LM)