Morpeth in Northumberland was flooded in 2008 after the River Wansbeck breached its banks and engulfed almost 1,000 properties. Plans were drawn up to protect the town from such floods, but were stopped by budget cuts announced by the Coalition Government as a result of their comprehensive spending review.
However, Morpeth now looks set to get approval from the Environment Agency next week for new flood defences that would protect the town from rising waters. These plans include building some freshwater reservoirs upstream and new flood walls in the town itself.
The Agency will be discussing the plans on 9 February.
"Together, the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council aim to reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in the town" said Ian Hodge, regional flood and coastal risk manager. "The council will contribute up to £12m towards the scheme and a further £10.6m has been identified in Government funding, however this has to receive formal approval from the Environment Agency Board."
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