A flood prevention scheme is due to start early next month, and more than 80 homes and businesses are expected to benefit from it.

The scheme, a £1.1million flood risk management project, will control the flow of water through the drainage system in the Modbury town centre.

The minimum standard of protection will be from a one-in-75-year flood event, and up to the one-in-100-year flood event for many of the properties.

Following preparatory work earlier this year, the main element of the improvement scheme will now be getting underway.

Three bunds will be developed to provide a temporary store for excess water to redirect the flow of water from certain fields.

The capacity of drainage through the town will also be increased north of Church Street which currently overflows during heavy rainfall. Other drainage improvements will be made in town, although the work in the town centre is likely to take place after the summer months in order to minimise disruption.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “Modbury needs greater resilience from flooding and this is a vital investment in the town centre. No one wants to see a repeat of the flooding that has hit the town on a number of occasions in the past. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption of the work, but the long-term benefits will result in much-improved flood protection for Modbury.”

Cllr Rufus Gilbert said: “This long-awaited scheme will give much needed protection and stability for homes and businesses in Modbury. It will start to take effect for next winter. It’s very good news.”

The worst flooding in Modbury in recent years saw around 27 homes, businesses and the local health care centre flooded in July 2012, when the main A379 through the town also became impassable.

The improvement scheme, which is expected to be completed by November, is being funded primarily by Devon County Council and the Government’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid, with further contributions from South Hams District Council and South West Water.

Work will be carried out by contractor Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.