People in 48 properties in Tenby will get better flood protection as Environment Agency Wales starts work on a major renovation scheme next week.

The project will strengthen a culvert in the South Beach area, which provides flood protection for 29 homes and 19 businesses.

The work includes replacing missing stones and regrouting to make sure the culvert is strong enough to stand up to high tides and high river flows.

Keri Thomas, from Environment Agency Wales, said: "These works are vital to maintain flood protection for the future for people living and working in Tenby.

"If the culvert were to collapse it could cause flooding, and the impact of a flood in one of Wales' most popular tourism destinations could be disastrous not just for homeowners, but for the economy of the whole area.

"Although we can't prevent floods from happening altogether, this work means that the chances of a flood happening in this part of Tenby are greatly reduced."

The Agency will do everything it can to reduce disruption to local people and the local environment as the work is carried out.

The £125,000 project is funded by the Welsh Government and should be completed in late spring.

People concerned about flooding in their area can contact Floodline on 0845 988 111 or visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales">www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales for more information.