Millions confirmed for Bridgwater tidal barrier. Funds protect homes, create defenses, and repair damages across the nation investing in flood protection.
New defenses should protect 52,000 properties by 2026, while repairs will help another 14,500 homes and businesses. About 1,000 projects will receive funding. £43 million goes to the Bridgwater tidal barrier in Somerset.
The barrier project involves the Environment Agency and Somerset Council. It spans the River Parrett, near Bridgwater, and should protect over 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses. Construction is underway, but costs rose due to inflation and supply issues.
The project now costs around £230 million. Somerset Council pledged funding in late August, providing almost £14 million. The tidal barrier was in Somerset’s flood plan, which followed the bad floods of 2013/14.
The barrier spans the River Parrett near Express Park and Chilton Trinity. A footbridge crosses the barrier for walkers. Two gates will stop upstream water flow, preventing flooding during high tides, and new defenses protect areas downstream, including eels and fish populations.
The government criticized prior conservative leadership, claiming underinvestment caused disrepair. They stated that many important Environment Agency assets need repair. Environment Secretary Steve Reed spoke about the storms, emphasizing that investment protects citizens and their property by building and maintaining flood defenses.
Other projects also received funding, with Derby getting £35 million for flood protection, Bewdley receiving £2 million, and Dorset receiving £3.4 million for Pool Bridge defenses. Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire benefit from £2.5 million for flood resilience schemes. Stallingborough sea defenses receive £7 million and Pevensey Bay gets £3.8 million for protection.
Many projects stalled, but the government prioritizes the allocation of £140 million to 31 schemes ready to go. Around £36 million covers urgent repairs to fix damage from winter floods, and another £72 million will maintain and repair assets. The Environment Agency will deliver some natural projects to slow water flow using nature, typically costing less than hard defenses.
Leicester and Trent Rivers Trust received approval to work in 13 Leicestershire locations. This includes drainage at schools, tree planting, and the creation of wetlands to store floodwater. Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell commented that climate change brings extreme weather, and funding supports needed projects nationwide.
The government is changing the funding formula, stating that the current process slows progress and might not favor innovative ideas. The old system was criticized for being unfair, favoring richer areas and families.
