THE second phase of a multi-million pound scheme to protect Bewdley from flooding gets underway next week.

The Environment Agency's project to install the foundations for removable flood barriers is nearing completion on Severnside North - and attention will switch to Severnside South from Monday.

The road will be closed for 15 weekdays for safety reasons while surveying, ground investigation and consultation with landowners is carried out.

Boreholes and trial pits will be excavated to locate where underground obstructions and services are.

Construction work will begin next spring and is expected to be completed towards the end of 2004.

Repeat

The scheme was launched to prevent a repeat of the scenes of November, 2000, when the River Severn burst its banks.

The floods were the worst for 53 years and prompted an emergency visit from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The crisis also eventually spawned the National Flood Forum, a body set up in Bewdley to work with residents around the UK on a range of flood-related issues.

The Quay Gallery, based in Severnside North, secured an undisclosed payment from the Environment Agency to compensate for an 80 per cent drop in trade as a result of the flood defence works.

Similar claims are expected from businesses along Severnside South when work begins in earnest.

"The boreholes will be used to evaluate the soil conditions and monitor changes in groundwater levels," said Environment Agency spokesman Oliver Blackburn.

"Advanced electronic equipment will be installed in the boreholes, and data from the equipment will help engineers assess what ground conditions are likely to be encountered along Severnside South."

The Lax Lane car park will still be open, while Severnside South is closed for the new few weeks.