A stream bottleneck that has been blamed as one of the key causes of floods in a Norfolk town is currently the focus of major engineering works.

Blockages of Mill Stream, which flows through Besthorpe and Attleborough, is thought to have contributed to the widespread floods that affected 130 homes after Storm Babet brought torrential rain to the county. 

Homes flooded in Attleborough in October 2023Homes flooded in Attleborough in October 2023 (Image: Stuart Sharpin)

People living alongside the watercourse in Mill Lane have warned of the problems there for years.

READ MORE: Drone images reveal scale of flooding

Engineers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in BesthorpeEngineers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in Besthorpe (Image: Denise Bradley)

But following the event in October last year - described as the worst flooding the town has seen - work is finally under way to address the issue.

A new trash screen is being installed which will enable better access for people to clear debris from the culvert.

READ MORE: Norfolk flood victims 'being failed' by slow support

The problem culvert blocke dup with debris shortly before the stream burst its banks in October 2023The problem culvert blocked up with debris shortly before the stream burst its banks in October 2023 (Image: Lynn Shortt)

It is hoped this will make it safer for the local community to prevent plant matter and litter from getting stuck there, stopping the flow of water downstream.

Hans Shortt, 70, who lives with his wife Lynn in Mill Lane, has previously said he had been "risking his life" by wading into fast-flowing water to keep the trash screen clear. 

Eastern Daily Press: Hans Shortt, 70, has said he has been putting himself in danger to keep the culvert and trash screen clear next to his homeHans Shortt, 70, has said he has been putting himself in danger to keep the culvert and trash screen clear next to his home (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Tony Watling, chairman of Besthorpe Parish Council, said: "It is great this is finally being started, it has been a long wait to get it sorted.

"It is where lots of problems have occurred in recent years.

"This is one piece of the jigsaw and everyone is pleased something is happening. 

"Multiple agencies are involved which has meant things move slower."

Workers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in BesthorpeWorkers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in Besthorpe (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Attleborough Flood Group has been set up following the 2023 floods to help the community organise and be better prepared to prevent flooding in the future. 

They are holding regular meetings ahead of the forthcoming winter and recently, a group of volunteers have cleared 90 tonnes of plant material, debris and sediment from the watercourses around Mill Lane. 

Engineers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in BesthorpeEngineers are installing a new trash screen at the Mill Lane culvert in Besthorpe (Image: Denise Bradley)