Phase two of a programme to remove sandbags placed around Romsey at the height of February’s floods is due to start  on Saturday (April 26).

A team from Test Valley Borough Council will work in the vicinity of Rivermead Close, Riverside Gardens and Mill Lane as part of the week-long scheme.

Thousands of sandbags were distributed across Test Valley by the council, Evironment Agency and military personnel to hold back the floodwaters spilling from the Test.

The Environment Agency, are also due to remove the “cat flap” – the temporary damn constructed at the head of the Fishlake Meadows stream.

The agency will also repair breaches in the banks of the barge canal.

TVBC leader Ian Carr said: “It was a huge task to deploy the sandbags in such large quantities and it will be equally challenging to remove them and clean-up the area.

“I am grateful to residents for their patience during the clean-up operation, which will see numerous staff working in the area and several daily vehicle movements.”

Residents who wish to dispose of sandbags, which were missed during the phase one clean-up, should contact the council’s Customer Services team on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700 to arrange collection.