A town centre drain is to be replaced in a bid to stop potential flooding.

Diss Town Council is taking advantage of the closure of the Co-Op supermarket, in Mere Street, to replace the drain, which runs underneath the store's car park and Madgett's Walk and prevents the water from overflowing and flooding nearby homes.

However a section of the drain needs to be replaced because of tree root damage, partial collapse and an inadequate outflow system.

The town council has appointed contractors Dunnella Ltd to carry out the works, with the £33,296 cost being allocated from the council's reserves.

The works, due to start this week, are set to last for about a month. The council is also working closely with Aldi - which is moving into the former Co-Op premises - to fit the work in around their schedule and avoid delays to their planned store opening at the end of November.

Towards the end of the contract, in order to work on the Mere side of the drain, Madgett's Walk will be closed to the public.

However the council said the work to this area should take no more than a week and weekends will be avoided unless essential.

A spokesman for Diss Town Council said: 'The council will endeavour to minimise disruption during the works, which will help to maintain a consistent water level and minimise localised flooding.'

Repairs to a collapsed bank at Madgett's Walk are also scheduled for September this year following months of investigative surveys and the requirement to borrow funds to deliver the project.

GT Rochester Plant Ltd has been appointed and the project is anticipated to take eight weeks, with a start date of September 8.

The total project cost, which is being funded through a capital loan, is £73,621. Work includes raising the level of the Mere bed supporting the collapsed wall, strengthening and rebuilding the collapsed area and preventative works in areas identified at risk.

Madgett's Walk will be closed for the duration of works, which have been scheduled to avoid school holidays but still be completed before the winter.

What do you think? Write, giving your full contact details, to: Mercury Letters, 26 Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD or email dma.letters@archant.co.uk