PLANS for the first phase of the Radcliffe and Redvales flood defence scheme are due to be unveiled.

Residents have been invited to view the latest proposals for the £46 million prevention scheme at a drop-in session on Monday.

It is the latest stage in the public consultation over the designs, and will give people the chance to have their say and find out about the wider scheme.

More than 670 properties in Radcliffe and Redvales were devastated by flooding when the River Irwell burst its banks on Boxing Day 2015.

The plans for the first phase of the defence scheme, which is designed to protect 870 homes, were due to be submitted to Bury Council yesterday. Further proposals are expected to be submitted on January 30, with construction scheduled to begin in spring next year. Construction of phase two will begin in 2020.

Peter Costello Flood and Coastal Risk Team Leader with the Environment Agency said: "This is a major scheme, which incorporates the beautiful Close Park, but one that will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the area and ensure that people and properties are protected.

"When the work is complete, there will be many benefits for the community including a better environment and access to the river. There are still hurdles to get over, including planning and approval of the business case however, the project is moving forward and the project team and our partners at Bury Council remain committed and positive on our achieving completion of the scheme by March 2021.

"We are now in the final design stage but the scheme is still evolving and we want to work really closely with residents to keep them updated every step of the way. We would therefore, encourage everyone who lives in the Redvales and Radcliffe area to come along to the drop-in session on Monday to find out more."

Staff from the Environment Agency and Bury Council will be on hand at the drop-in session.

Cllr Alan Quinn, Bury Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “No one affected by the Boxing Day floods will ever forget the devastation that they caused. These are multi-million pound plans which will transform the local environment and hopefully bring security for many hundreds of our residents. They should also help to attract more investment to continue the regeneration of Radcliffe. I urge everyone to go to this drop-in session, see the plans, have their say and talk to the people from the council and the Environment Agency. We want people to have as much knowledge of the scheme as possible."

Residents are invited to the drop-in session at Radcliffe Road Baptist Church between 4pm and 7pm on Monday.