Work is under way to help protect communities on the Broads that experienced some of the worst winter floods in years.

Environment Agency (EA) and Internal Drainage Board (IDB) engineers have begun a project to reinforce riverbanks in the Hickling area.

The scheme aims to protect against the risk of water 'overtopping' - or spilling over the banks - which has contributed to the flooding woes this year.

The section of footpath in Hickling that is closed due to the worksThe section of footpath in Hickling that is closed due to the works (Image: Google)

It comes after communities in the northern Broads' upper Thurne basin, including Hickling, Potter Heigham and Repps with Bastwick suffered persistent high water levels that left toilets backed up, farmers' fields waterlogged and boat firms swamped.

The crest level maintenance works will repair embankments along a 1km stretch.

For the work to take place, a footpath between Decoy Road in the north and the southern end of Heigham Sound is shut. 

Locally sourced material is being used to repair the damage done by overtopping.

Duncan Baker, former MP for North Norfolk, in Potter Heigham during the floods this winterDuncan Baker, former MP for North Norfolk, in Potter Heigham during the floods this winter (Image: Duncan Baker)

The Environment Agency said the project will help mitigate flood risk in the area.

A spokeswoman said: "Within the Broads there is a historic regime of overtopping allowing flood water to access flood plains in specified areas.

"Where overtopping occurs in areas not designed for this it can lead to a deterioration in bank condition.”

“The works are currently under way and to maintain safety there is currently a footpath closure in place until the works are completed.”

Drone images show high water levels in Hickling in December, 2023Drone images show high water levels in Hickling in December, 2023 (Image: Mike Page)

The project comes as the Environment Agency is due to release its findings following a probe into this year's flooding.

Experts are investigating whether a key section of river near Great Yarmouth, known as the Bure Hump, has silted up causing the volume of water flowing out to sea to be restricted.

The results will determine whether or not deeper dredging is required to protect villagers further upstream.

The results are expected at the end of this month.