The Environment Agency is seeking views from residents in the towns of Bampton and Tiverton in Devon on proposed flood defences.
The first public exhibition is about Bampton and takes place on Tuesday 31 January. In December 2000, Bampton had 44 properties flooded. About 100 properties are currently at risk of flooding from the River Batherm in a more extreme flood event, despite the presence of existing defences. Property is also at potential risk of flooding from the Shuttern Brook.
The second public exhibition is about Tiverton and takes place on Wednesday 1 February.
According to Mid-Devon District Council statistics, Tiverton flooded in 1692, 1757, 1795, 1809, 1866, 1875, 1884, 1909 (on two separate occasions), 1912, 1960 (on five separate occasions), December 2000 and December 2012. An estimated 1,000 to 2,000 properties and 3,000 people are at risk in an extreme flood event, of which 900 face significant or extreme flooding, despite the presence of existing defences in some locations.
The exhibitions will give both communities the chance to meet the project team, learn more about potential options and provide feedback.
The Environment Agency is investigating options to reduce risks in both towns and wants to work with landowners, local businesses and other interested stakeholders. Any option to reduce flood risk will only be progressed if funding and planning permission can be secured.
Ian Hooper for the Environment Agency said:
“It’s vital that we meet with as many people as possible in the local communities to discuss the options available to reduce flood risk in Bampton and Tiverton. That way we can develop the best solutions for everybody.”
Once the options have been fully explored, the Environment Agency will develop the best solution into a detailed design for the towns. If the projects progress, and subject to the schemes receiving funding and planning permission, construction is expected to be completed by 2021.
Waterbriefing is media partner with the Environment Agency’s major three-day conference and exhibition Flood and Coast 2017 which takes place from 28 to 30 March 2017 in Telford. Click here for more information
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