A public drop-in session to give an update on the flood defences will be held at Sandwich Quay tomorrow.

The Environment Agency will be hosting the event for local residents and interested groups from 9am to 3pm.

Members of the project team will be on hand to discuss the project and update on latest developments.

This is the first drop-in session since Sandwich was hit by the biggest tidal surge in 60 years last month.

Environment Agency operations manager Ian Nunn said: “We understand that members of the public might have some questions about the scheme and how it is coming along, especially in light of the storm at the start of December.

“The drop-in session gives them an opportunity to come along and find out more.

“The level of support we received from the local community showing their appreciation after the storm event was superb."

“The level of support we received from the local community showing their appreciation after the storm event was superb."- Ian Nunn

Environment Agency teams were able to put in additional defences on Strand Street during the tidal surge, which worked with the partially constructed flood alleviation scheme to reduce the impact on the town.

The tidal relief area near Prince’s Golf Club helped to protect 219 homes, but the impact delayed work on the scheme, which is now expected to be completed in May 2015.

Work has begun at the western end of the Quay and, as this location is very close to traffic using the toll bridge, Kent County Council has put a temporary traffic restriction in place from Saturday, January 25, until Tuesday, February 25.

When completed, the £21 million flood defence scheme will reduce the risk of tidal flooding to Sandwich and Stonar Loop.

The new tidal defence scheme will provide a one in 200 standard of protection to 488 homes and 94 commercial properties in Sandwich, including the Discovery Park.