More than 3000 homes protected after flood defence boost in Pevensey Bay
It's one of 27 flood defence schemes improved across the South East over the past year
Over 3,000 homes have been better protected in Pevensey Bay following an improvement to flood defences.
Responsibility returned to the Environment Agency to manage 8.5km of coastline after 25 years, with the aim to eventually protect up to 18,000 homes by the next century.
It marks one of 27 coastal defence schemes improved across the South East over the past year, and comes alongside a minimum £10.5 billion government investment in flood defences across England by 2036.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“We inherited crumbling flood defences in their worst condition on record – but in just a year, we have turned the tide and ramped up protection for the public.
“Under the Plan for Change, this government has delivered 151 flood schemes – safeguarding more than 24,000 properties from flooding in communities across the country.
“Our huge £10.5 billion investment into new flood defences will protect more people from the devastation of flooding.
"It will also help our towns and cities to prosper by driving forward economic growth, creating new jobs and building new homes for future generations.”
The homes in Pevensey are some of 9363 better protected across the South East.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Floods and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, added:
“Flooding has a devastating impact on communities across the country and will continue to worsen as extreme weather is caused by our changing climate.
“Our teams and partners have worked to deliver another 151 flood schemes that are vitally needed across the country – and are ready to take action to protect people and homes this winter.
"We will continue to work with the government to deliver its long-term flood investment programme, ensuring the most vulnerable communities get the protection they need.”