Holding back the flood

Exeter could secure funding for £26m project to keep our feet dry.

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£120 million in new funding could offer new flood defences after recent devastating events in Exeter.

Due to budget cuts for flood defence funding, the Government aims to get more money from local communities, so all allocations will depend on the number of local financial contributions put forward.

The money would be used in Exeter to help improve the protection of 2,850 homes and 1,150 city centre businesses, so the city has been invited to bid.

Nice weather for Duckes… Pic: Joe Catcheside

Half of the £120 million will focus on areas where flood defences will create new options for growth and development. The other half will speed up delivery of 50 flood schemes already under way.

The Government aim to support schemes where flood protection would improve a total of up to 60,000 homes, providing around £1 billion in economic benefits.

Devon County Council has welcomed the announcement for extra flood funding. Councillor John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: “The widespread flooding across Devon has demonstrated that vital investment is needed in our flood defences, and the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary have been able to see that for themselves during their visits.”

‘Cleaning’ (flooding) in progress