The Environment Agency will update residents on flood defences in Sandwich at a drop-in session this month.

It will take place on the Quay on Thursday, May 21, from 9am until 3pm.

The £21.7 million flood defence scheme involves works on 16 individual reaches of the river, protecting 488 homes and 94 commercial properties.

This is being delivered in partnership by the Environment Agency, Pfizer and Kent County Council.

Ian Nunn, Environment Agency operations manager, said: “Now that the scheme is in the final stages and residents can see the changes that are being made, they may have further questions. The drop-in session gives them an opportunity to come along and find out more.”

A new flood wall has been completed north of Richborough Road and steel sheet piling works to the entrance of Gazen Salts car park.

Defences have also been completed in the following areas: east of Richborough Road, Sandwich Marina, Stonar Lake, Sandwich Quay, Gallows Field, Gazen Salts and Discovery Park.

There are still landscaping works being carried out in some of these areas. This includes replanting, pruning, top soil works and installing root barriers. Replacement planting is an essential part of the scheme. For every tree lost during the works, the Environment Agency will plant at least two.

The Vigo Sluice to Black Sluice footpath is still closed, and the Environment Agency has asked that people stop entering the construction site to use this footpath as they are putting themselves at risk.

There is also a temporary footpath closure from Richborough Road to Goshall Railway until September 2015.

The upcoming works in the town include embankment and access-track raising in Richborough Road and replacement of a sandbag wall with a brick clad, reinforced concrete wall behind Aynsley Court.

Planned works near the Princes Golf Club and behind Highway Marine boat yard have also commenced, as ground conditions have improved.

All the works are expected to be completed by summer this year.