Flooding in the area has caused damage to homes and businesses

Homes in the Drybridge Street and Wonastow Road areas have been damaged several times by high rising water during heavy rainfall.

A grant from the Welsh Assembly Government has allowed work to protect those homes to be carried out.

A pumping station will be built as well as individual house protection schemes.

The pumping station will be constructed so water can be drawn off the Drybridge Community Pond when levels in the River Monnow rise in the town.

Some houses not protected by the planned flood defence will be offered individual protection schemes.

Monmouthshire Council's cabinet member councillor John Harrhy said: "Once completed, the scheme will provide a significant improvement to the quality of life for those residents at risk from flooding.

"This is very good news for Monmouth."

He said the council had worked with the Environment Agency in designing the scheme which is due to be finished by the winter.

In December, 2005, several homes were flooded in St Vincent's Drive and in 2002 pubs, businesses and houses were affected by flooding.