The project will see a total of 595 properties in the Bannerfield, Philiphaugh and Riverside areas of the Scottish town removed from the national flood risk register by protecting the homes against the effects of flooding, in particular from the Ettrick and Yarrow waters and the Long Philip and Shaw burns.
In April, SBC Contracts was awarded the advanced works contract. As part of this agreement, temporary access roads will be created, vegetation and trees will be cleared and public utility diversion works will be put in place over the next few months.
Welcoming the start of the works, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "I am delighted to be here today to mark the commencement of this £31.4 million co-funded project, 80% of which is funded by the Scottish Government, which will provide much needed flood protection here in Selkirk.
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"Communities such as Bannerfield living under the threat of flooding know only too well the devastating effects it can have and that is why flooding remains a priority for this Government. In particular this project, aside from protecting houses, will also protect the very important Ettrick riverside area which is home to many of Selkirk's established and new start businesses.
"By continuing to invest in measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and reduce the risk of it happening in the first place, we are providing invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable communities in Selkirk, and indeed in other similarly affected areas across the country."
Conor Price, Project Manager of the Scheme, added: "We have to thank the Scottish Government for its support of this vital project which will protect hundreds of homes and businesses.
"The advanced works process aims to minimise the impact on the people of Selkirk and businesses during the main construction works.
"The level of works will increase this summer and we will engage with the community, particularly on the closure of roads, as well as Bannerfield Footbridge which will need to be shut on a number of occasions."
A tender for the main construction works of the project was issued earlier this month, and it is anticipated that this phase will begin in December 2014. The project is expected to be completed by December 2016.
(JP)
