Grimsby flood alleviation work to start

A new wave wall made from 20-tonne concrete blocks will be constructed at Grimsby Docks

Work aimed at reducing the risk of flooding to thousands of properties near the Humber Estuary is about to begin as part of a two-year project.

The first phase of the £20m Grimsby flood alleviation scheme is due to start next week with the construction of a large concrete wave wall.

The wall, made from hundreds of pre-fabricated 20-tonne concrete blocks, will be built at Grimsby Docks.

Further phases of the scheme are expected to follow in 2014 and 2015.

The need for a flood defence scheme in Grimsby was identified as part of the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy which was given the go-ahead by government in 2008.

Mike Dugher, from the Environment Agency, said: "Thousands of homes and businesses would be at significant risk of flooding should these defences fail."