UP TO £3.3m is set to be pumped into the battle against flooding which became the scourge of scores of homes in the Avon Valley two years ago.

Plans have been drawn up by the Environment Agency for three separate schemes in the worst-hit parts of the valley, which had major problems in December 2000.

Around £1.8m is set to be spent on the Downton area, which had about 40 properties flooded and a large part of Moot Lane in its village centre cut off for almost a fortnight.

Environment Agency spokesman Mike Dunning said it was hoped that contractors would be on site early next year

The Bunny stream and the New Court carrier are also the subject of flood alleviation schemes under consideration by Salisbury District Council.

Mr Dunning added that about £800,000 is being earmarked for Fordinbgbridge, which also suffered badly, with 57 properties affected by flooding from the Avon and flash flooding from the Ashford Water. That work is also likely to start next year.

Ringwood, which had a large number of commercial and private homes flooded, is to be on the receiving end of a £750,000 scheme, with work also probable next year.

Its bus station and The Bickerley were among the badly-hit parts of the town, with the Avon flowing into several homes on the Stubbings Meadow site.

The exact details of the schemes have not been finalised, but Mr Dunning said: "It is a complex situation, with gravels, silts and problems with surface water and water coming out of the ground.

"These are high risk areas and the aim is to reduce that risk."

Councillor Mike Shand, who represents the Fordingbridge area of the Avon Valley on Hampshire County and New Forest District Councils, welcomed the investment.

He said: "Any work aimed at reducing flooding has got to be good. I am sure the officers involved will come up with the best scheme they can produce.

"But people should not assume that whatever is being done is going to be the panacea for all flooding.

"It is a challenge with nature. There will be the danger of a cloudburst bringing flooding to an area which has not been flooded before."