DIGNITARIES yesterday gathered to launch a new super estate, which developers say will end flooding misery for residents and bring hundreds of affordable homes to Lydney.

Bosses at developers MMC2 say they are confident their state-of-the-art drainage scheme will stop the water running off higher Lydney Park into Lakeside Avenue which has been hit by flash flooding in recent years.

The sustainable drainage system is part of a £2 million infrastructure scheme serving the 600 home estate. It will be one of the first projects to get under way at the former golf course.

Yesterday representatives from MMC2, the Forest of Dean District Council, Kier Partnership Homes, Bromford Group and Homes and Communities Agency gathered at the site for a sod cutting ceremony.

Councillor Patrick Molyneux, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said he was delighted to launch the scheme: "This is a huge project for Lydney and the Forest of Dean District as a whole."

Yesterday marked the start of the first phase of the development, which will create 133 new homes.

Barry Holmes, the director of investment at MMC2, is confident the drainage scheme will protect residents on the Lakeside site, which lies below the new development.

"The problem is that the site is solid clay so when it rains, the water runs straight off the golf course," he said.

Coun James Bevan (Con, Lydney East) has been at the forefront of moves to help the residents of Lakeside.

"I am delighted that work has started because I am sure this will help to alleviate the flooding problem," he said.

Lydney Mayor Terry Glastonbury (Con, Alvington, Aylburton and West Lydney) said the new development would give the town a shot in the arm.

"It has been a long time coming, but it should help Lydney," he said.

"There are 10 acres of employment land which could bring jobs and it is fantastic news about the affordable homes."

The development at the former Federal Mogul site is the first of two developments which will event- ually see a super suburb of 1,600 new homes, roads, businesses and its own primary school.

The Homes and Communities Agency have invested £5 million into the MMC2 project which should create or secure 150 jobs.

Mark Russell, managing director of MMC2 Land and Regeneration, said: "Cutting the sod marks a step forward for the regeneration of Lydney."