FOR more than three years, people living near the river in Caerleon have feared the next high tide would result in their homes being flooded.

Now work has started on a major scheme which should prove a long-term solution and ease their minds.

When a flood defence wall in Isca Road collapsed in 2001, taking part of the road with it, residents began a long, and sometimes bitter, campaign for something to be done to protect their homes.

They were concerned high tides could one day swamp more than 60 homes in and near Isca Road.

Shortly after the collapse, Environment Agency Wales said there could not be a "quick fix" but it would require a complicated and costly solution.

It recently awarded the major contract to Mowlem Civil Engineering who have started work at the site.

Lin Gray, one of the residents, said they were delighted the scheme was finally under way. But, she added: "We haven't had the party yet."

Isca Road and Lulworth Road Defences involves a remediation and flood defence scheme consisting of earthworks, rock armour and a wall to prevent further problems. The site will also be reinforced to reduce the risk of collapse.

It is being jointly funded by Environment Agency Wales, the National Assembly and Newport City Council.

The contract is one of two for flood and erosion protection awarded to Mowlem Civil Engineering, part of an international construction and support services group, together worth nearly £4 million.

The other involves protecting Rumney Great Wharf, a stretch of the shore on the Severn Estuary between Newport and Cardiff.

A company spokesman said both sites involved unusual challenges.

"The Isca Road contract is near the site of a Roman settlement and the work is being carried out adjacent to the site of an old bridge over the River Usk.

"The Rumney Great Wharf site is in an environmentally sensitive area and features possible ancient Roman drainage works. In addition, the contract here is to be carried out over two seasons to allow migrating birds to occupy the site in October."