Defence Online

More than 300 homes and businesses will benefit from greater flood protection in the next year as part of Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management Action Plan.The County Council’s Cabinet (Wednesday 14 March) approved a £3 million plan to address the highest priority communities at risk of flooding – exceeding last year’s investment by £1 million.In the past year, major improvement schemes have been completed at Axminster Millbrook and Braunton. A number of other schemes are already underway, including £1.1 million of improvements in Modbury which are due to be completed by the end of this year, the installation of new culverts at Uplyme and culvert repairs at Moreton Park in Bideford.The schemes in this year’s action plan will increase the resilience of a number of communities. Work is expected to start on surface water drainage improvements in Chillington, a new surface water culvert will be installed in Frogmore, and a flood relief culvert will be introduced in Stibbs Lane in Ivybridge.Designs are nearing completion for proposed flood alleviation work in Stokeinteignhead. Final details and a business case are also being prepared for a surface water improvement scheme in Sidmouth.