RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on the next phase of a £40million scheme to protect hundreds of homes against flooding.

A drop-in session and consultation on the second phase of the Radcliffe and Redvales flood defence scheme will be held next month.

The long-awaited construction of the first phase of the project — in Close Park, Dumers Lane and Morris Street — is due to begin in mid-June.

Community drop-in sessions will also be organised to give residents the chance to give their feedback on the first phase of work.

Radcliffe and Redvales were among the worst hit areas when the River Irwell burst its banks on Boxing Day 2015.

Christian Wilcox, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said: "Since the Boxing Day floods in 2015, which saw devastation across the community, Radcliffe and Redvales residents have been asking for increased flood protection. It is therefore, fantastic to see that we've cleared the final hurdle and construction can start on this complex and important scheme.

“Our plans will ensure that the flood defences in Radcliffe and Redvales provide the best standard of protection to the local community for many decades to come.

"All of the improved defences will be in place by March 2021, protecting hundreds of homes and businesses and making Radcliffe and Redvales a greener place to live."

Overseen by the Environment Agency in partnership with Bury Council, the scheme comprises 2.5km of defences, including raised walls at key locations along the edge of the River Irwell.

The first phase includes a 2.5m flood wall at the rear of Parkside Close, and a 3m-high earth embankment on the far side of Close Park, with football pitches acting as natural floodplain.

Designs are currently being drawn up for the second phase of the project, with a planning application due to be submitted in September 2019.

To have your say on the first phase of work, attend the drop-in session at Close Park rangers hut on Thursday, June 6.

During construction of the first phase, Environment Agency staff will be available to speak with about progress at regular community drop-ins to be held in Close Park.

A session to discuss the current proposals for the second phase will take place on Thursday, June 27 at Radcliffe Road Baptist Church.

Both sessions will be held from 3pm to 7pm.