A £300,000 flood alleviation scheme has been completed in Wyesham.

Work on the project started in January this year after heavy rain caused flooding in September 2012, and focussed on protecting properties in Blake Street, Underwood Avenue and Tudor Road.

The flooding tends to originate from a culvert intended to drain water from the steep ground above Wyesham.

During last year's severe weather, floodwaters gathered at the start of the channel and cascade through several properties, with Blake Street bearing the brunt.

Monmouthshire County Council appointed specialist consulting engineers Martin Wright Associates (MWA) to design a flood alleviation scheme and manage the construction works.

MWA tackled the problem at source and incorporated measures to improve the level of protection.

In addition, remedial works were installed along the line of the existing culvert to improve pipework and ensure that flows during heavy rain are unimpeded.

The scheme takes into account projected climatic changes and complies with current Environment Agency guidelines.

Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd were appointed to undertake construction works which started in January 2013.

Initially, progress was hampered by bad weather as well as unforeseen ground conditions and other factors adding to the scope of the works.  These have resulted in delays to the works with the scheme now completed.

The project was financed by a £258,000 grant from the Welsh Government and £91,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.  The balance of funding was provided by the county council.

Cabinet member for county operations, Cllr Bryan Jones, said: "I am very pleased and relieved for residents that this work has gone ahead. 

"It has been distressing to see people's houses and property being flooded and it's wonderful to see this being resolved."

MWA engineer Jon Fenner (left) inspects the works with Monmouthshire's land drainage officer Martyn Evans