Major work on a £1.1 million flood alleviation scheme which will help to protect almost 90 properties in Shrewsbury has now reached a critical stage, it was revealed today.

Environment Agency contractors are installing the pre-cast flood wall, which will form the flood defence along the park for the Coleham Head flood alleviation scheme this week.

The sandstone-faced concrete sections have been built off site and will be lifted into place by crane.

This major element of the flood scheme will take about three weeks to complete and will require lane closures on Coleham Head.

When the installation is finished towards the end of January, work will begin to install the demountable road crossing base.

Lane closures will also be required for about four weeks while concrete piles topped by a reinforced concrete beam on the highway are installed. When Coleham Head is at risk of flooding, this concrete beam will support demountable barriers opposite Rea Brook Terrace and adjacent to the Rea Brook itself.

Project manager Anthony Crowther said: “We will continue to do everything we possibly can to minimise disruption while we build the flood defences, but there will be lane closures on Coleham Head over the next few weeks.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the work. We want people to be aware of our plans in advance so that they have an opportunity to plan their journeys.”

Work began in October and is expected to take about four months to complete.