The final phase of Exmouth's Tidal Defence Scheme has been approved and residents should see work on the project ramp up over the next few months.

A planning application to install flood walls, gates, landscape the surrounding area and work on Alexandra Terrace junction has been approved.

The new £12 million tidal defence scheme at Exmouth should 'significantly reduce flooding to 1,800 properties in the Devon town'.

Exmouth has a long history of tidal flooding. The worst recorded flooding was in 1960 when Exmouth flooded twice, with nearly 1,000 properties affected.

The need for a new tidal defence scheme was identified as part of a flood risk management strategy for the whole of the Exe Estuary.

In September there will be more activity along the sea front as work increases on The Esplanade.

For some of the work to proceed the road will need to be closed in sections between The Grove, along Morton Crescent, Alexandra Terrace Junction and past the Clock Tower up to the Premier Inn.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We are making every effort to minimise our impact on residents and visitors to Exmouth while we work on the tidal defences. However there is an ongoing need to manage traffic to allow us safe working areas and protect the public from harm.

The following restrictions will be in place:

-A triangular section of Imperial Recreation Ground long stay car park will be closed to October 2019.

-The Exe Estuary Trail, East Devon Way, between Carter Avenue and LED Leisure Centre will remain closed until October 2019.

-On the Esplanade the western area of lower walkway closed between Mamhead Slipway to Temple Steps, beach access opposite Alexandra Terrace Junction.

-Starting this month there will be road closures and traffic management along the Esplanade between The Grove and Premier Inn. These works will continue until Spring 2020.

All businesses will remain open as usual.

The scheme is being designed and built by civil engineering contractor Team Van Oord (a joint venture between Royal HaskoningDHV and Kier). The scheme will cover three areas of Exmouth:

Area A: The Royal Avenue

Work here will involve raising flood embankments and walls between the outfall of the Withycombe Brook and Imperial Recreation Ground.

Area B: Camperdown Creek

Defences will be raised between the Imperial Recreation Ground and Camperdown Terrace.

Area C: The Esplanade

Work along the seafront includes the Esplanade from Mamhead Slipway in the West, to between the clock tower and Premier Inn to the East.

It involves work to the existing seawall, improving drainage for water to drain back out to sea, provision of flood gates and new set-back defences along the landward side of the Esplanade.

This will mean that areas of the Esplanade and highway will still be inundated during storms, however, flood water will be stopped from flowing down nearby roads by the new defences.