Brigg river silt removed to reduce flooding
Work has begun to reduce the risk of flooding to properties in a North Lincolnshire market town.
Silt deposits are being removed over the next three weeks from the Old River Ancholme in Brigg.
About 3,500 tonnes of silt will be removed from the river bed at a cost of £60,000 and will be spread on nearby farmland, the Environment Agency said.
The work is being carried out on behalf of the Environment Agency by contractors from Land & Water Services.
The silt will be taken from three sections of the river: from Coal End for 200 metres, from the Internal Drainage Board pumping station for 200 metres to the south of the Ancholme Way Bridge and from Cadney Road to Pools End.
Environment Agency spokesman Ian Russell said: "Removing silt from the river will help to increase the volume of water it is able to carry and the speed at which the water can flow.
"This in turn helps to reduce the risk of flooding, particularly during very wet weather when flows are at their highest.
"The work will reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Brigg but cannot completely remove it.
"We therefore urge people living in the town to be prepared and find out what action to take should the worst happen."