WORK on two major schemes to protect communities on the Levels and Moors from flooding is due to the start at the end of the month.

The road-raising at Muchelney and the introduction of four new culverts on the A372 at Beer Wall are scheduled to start on Monday, September 29.

The works are part of an action plan being delivered by a range of agencies and coordinated by Somerset County Council.

Both schemes will result in road closures from 29 September for an estimated ten weeks. Meanwhile, another Environment Agency scheme to construct a new flood defence at Aller means that Aller Drove is now closed until the end of October.

Chairman of the flood action plan and Somerset County Council leader, John Osman, said: “It is great news that these key projects are about to start.

“They are a clear statement that we, and all the other agencies involved in the plan, are taking action and I’m sure local communities will be happy to see work underway.

“Everyone will do their very best to keep disruption to a minimum and I’m sure anyone who saw the devastation last winter will appreciate that the long-term gain is well worth the short-term inconvenience.”