WORK on the new Godmanchester flood defences is going according to schedule.

And the Environment Agency, which is behind the project, has promised residents that noise from the work will be closely monitored to make sure they do not breach acceptable levels.

Jackson Civil Engineering, which has been appointed by the Environment Agency to carry out the �6.8million scheme to protect 500 homes from flooding, has already started to build a “flood wall” across residents’ gardens in Post Street and The Avenue.

During August engineers have been installing sheet piling along Cooks Stream on Westside Common, meaning a vibro-hammer is needed to drive large sheets of corrugated steel into place.

“This is noisy work, but we will monitor noise levels to ensure we don’t breach acceptable levels,” an Environment Agency spokesman said.

Work has also started to build a temporary road surface across the east side of Westside Common to allow works access for further piling work and construction of the pumping station on the other side of the main road.

The piling is designed to create a more rigid structure within the flood embankment.

Foundations have also been dug in people’s gardens, with some being filled with concrete.

“The Jackson Civil Engineering team is currently sourcing and matching bricks to ensure that the final flood wall ties in aesthetically with existing garden walls at each property,” the agency spokesman added.

Site offices at the rear of Bridge Place car park and a main works compound, under the A14 at Bridge Place car park, have been completed.