Work is progressing on a £2.3m scheme to protect Castletown from flooding.

Reinforced concrete walls are being constructed at the edge of the harbour to prevent a repeat of the problems caused during the storm surge in 2014.

The Castletown scheme received planning approval in October last year. It involves the installation of raised or set-back harbour walls.

This approach is designed to prevent flooding around Back Hope Street, Victoria Road, Bridge Street, Qualtrough’s Yard and the Boat Park.

Work began at the start of May and is programmed to take 45 weeks to complete. Trees and bushes on the boundary of Qualtrough’s Yard have been removed as part of site preparations.

The Victoria Road wall is substantially complete and contractor Auldyn Construction is awaiting delivery of the cladding.

For the boatyard wall, trial trenches have been excavated to locate existing services and piling work will start on July 21.

A wildlife saltmarsh habitat has been relocated from the Mill Race to a designated area next to Apostle’s Bridge.

The £2.3m project is part of the government’s overall strategy to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels and severe weather as a result of climate change.

Department of Infrastructure officials have been working with flood management specialists JBA Consulting to develop long-term measures to combat harbour flooding and wave overtopping.

The Castletown scheme received planning approval in October last year. It involves the installation of raised or set-back harbour walls.

This approach is designed to prevent flooding around Back Hope Street, Victoria Road, Bridge Street, Qualtrough’s Yard and the Boat Park.