NEW flood defences are due to be installed in the Close Park area of Radcliffe as the first stage of a scheme that is designed to protect 870 homes.

Residents and members of the Radcliffe and Redvales flood action groups have been campaigning for the defences for more than two years. It comes after the Boxing Day floods of 2015 which left people displaced and caused devastation in the towns.

In July, the Government announced it would close the £7 million funding gap needed to enable a £46 million scheme to move forward.

A drop-in session has been organised for Wednesday to give residents their say on the proposed defences.

Peter Costello, team leader for Flood and Coastal Risk Management with the EA, said: “The first phase of the scheme is planned for Close Park and we are now pleased to be in a position to share the latest developments for the park with the community.

"The upcoming drop-in session gives us a great opportunity to share all the development options with residents and gain further local knowledge and insight around the scheme proposals going forward.

"We would encourage everyone to come along to learn more about our ongoing work, to contribute to the development of designs by sharing their views and thoughts on the plans and to see how they can continue to be involved as project develops."

He added: "In 2015, more than 700 houses and businesses in Radcliffe and Redvales were directly affected when Storm Eva brought unprecedented flooding of the River Irwell, along with a major power cut, disruption to roads and damage to the sewage treatment works. Since then, the Environment Agency along with Bury Council have been exploring ways to better protect the area in the future."

Representatives from the Environment Agency (EA) and Bury Council will give visitors an overview of the work that has been carried out so far and share the latest developments, including a landscape plan for Close Park.

The EA is also due to install temporary flood barriers in the area between 10am and 1pm on Thursday as part of a live exercise to test the plans, and train staff how to operate them.

Cllr Alan Quinn, Bury Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The council is pleased to be working with the EA to bring forward the Radcliffe and Redvales flood management scheme which will better protect residents from future flood risk and improve the local environment and natural habitat through tree planting and clearance of invasive species."

Cllr Rishi Shori, Bury Council leader, added: "The Radcliffe and Redvales flood defence scheme is a massive investment in the borough to protect the homes of residents. We encourage the people of Close Park to attend the drop in, feedback on the proposals for flood defences and contribute to the further development and refinement of the scheme.”

The drop-in session, which has been publicised locally through leafleting, will be held at Close Park Rangers Hut between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday.