WORKS to alleviate flooding problems at Brickhouse Farm in Maldon are almost complete.

The engineering aspect of the works has just been finished and from next Monday (14 December) tree planting will begin around the new water detention basin, with the idea of giving them a chance to settle over the Christmas and New Year period and become established over the winter months.

Reconstruction of the children's play area at the site is provisionally scheduled to begin on Monday, 4 January – and to take no longer than a week, depending on weather conditions.

Residents were angry earlier this year when silver birches and other trees in the area of the flood prevention works were cut down and the popular playground was dismantled.

The project was carried out by Essex County Council in collaboration with Maldon District Council(MDC).

A spokesperson for MDC said: "Once again, we would like to thank you for continued patience in the delivery of this flood alleviation scheme."