THE building of a flood prevention scheme in a Hampshire village had stopped for Christmas.

The county council says it is making good progress on Hambledon’s flood alleviation scheme.

The village was badly affected by the flooding of winter 2013-14.

The contractor closed operations from Tuesday December 22 and will restart on Monday January 4.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “As we approach the Christmas and New break, progress on this complex engineering project remains on schedule.2 Around 360 metres of the large pipe has been laid and the contractor is working closely with BT, Southern Water, SSE and all other utilities to minimise disruption and inconvenience.

Cllr Woodward added: “This bespoke scheme will provide much needed relief and peace of mind to residents and businesses, in an area that is prone to flooding. At its worst, the main roads through Hambledon were completely flooded for several months by groundwater following the exceptional rainfall during the winter of 2013/14.

"This project has been designed to help mitigate the effects of such flooding in the future.”

In early 2016 it is planned that the B2150 will be reopened to all traffic, under controlled conditions that may include lowered speed limits and temporary traffic lights.

The next drop-in session for residents to meet contractors - Mildren Construction Limited - and council staff for an update on progress will be on Monday January 11 from 3.30-6pm in the village hall.

The construction work is due to last until the end of summer 2016.