RESIDENTS in Abbey Meads and Haydon Wick have been warned they face disruption for up to seven months as work begins on a flood alleviation scheme.

The Environment Agency’s work to the Haydon Brook will begin soon and those living along the brook, from Queen Elizabeth Drive and Elstree Way, have been told to expect noise.

In a letter to ward councillors, the officer at Swindon Council who is overseeing the Environment Agency’s work to the brook, said: “This is a joint project between Thames Water, Swindon Council and the Environment Agency and its contractors to improve flood protections for dwellings along the brook.

“The work includes sections of piling into the ground, and above ground works; often close to properties, essential to provide protection from flooding.

“Works are due to start soon, will last for six to seven months, and may be noisy enough to prompt inquiries from constituents.

“My team are in consultations with the Environment Agency and its contractors about the nature of the works, the likely impacts from noise and vibration, and reasonable mitigations.

“I would hope it proves possible to protect all but the very closest properties from too much disturbance.

“But at times it may be quite loud due to the unavoidable nature of the operation.”

Despite the disturbance, residents will be pleased that the work is finally taking place following floods which devastated the area in 2007.

Coun Claire Ellis, (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “We would be happy to hear from residents living along the brook from Westfield Way to Elsham Way about the works.

“Residents living from Taw Hill to Westfield Way now live in the Priory Vale Ward and should make contact with their new ward councillors.”

All work will take place between 8am and 6pm during weekdays and the noisiest operations are planned to take place between 9am and 4pm.

But delays in a day’s operations may mean that they overspill beyond 4pm occasionally.

For information visit www.haydonwick intouch.com.