A £750,000 scheme to prevent flooding in Ivybridge is due to start next month.

Devon County Council says there is currently a “significant risk” of surface water flooding in Claymans Pathway and Slipperstone Drive.

The work, which is expected to begin on January 13, 2020, will benefit 75 homes in the area.

The council says it will provide improved protection in the event of a one in a 100-year flood event.

The first phase of the scheme in Woodlands Park and Hanger Down was completed earlier this year.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “There is currently a significant risk of flooding in this area, and the community is prone to flooding when the capacity of surface water drainage systems in the area is exceeded.

“The capacity of a culvert running from Stibbs Lane will be increased - collecting floodwater upstream of the areas at risk and essentially acting as a bypass to carry it downstream where it then discharges into a brook.”

Cllr Roger Croad, councillor for Ivybridge and cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “I’m very pleased that this scheme will get to grips with surface water problems.

“The design has been a challenge with so many underground services in the area, and I would ask residents to bear with us during construction.

“However, I’m sure the improved protection against flooding will be welcomed by property owners in these areas of Ivybridge.”

Devon County Council says construction work is due to finish at the end of April.