Millions to be poured into East Midlands flood defences

The East Midlands is set to benefit from millions in new flood defence funding as part of a record £2.65bn government investment to tackle the growing risk of extreme weather.
The Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme, “Our City Our River,” will receive £35m, while £2.5m will support communities in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire that have faced repeated flooding.
An additional £120,000 will go towards repairing the Ravensfleet Pumping Station to strengthen local flood resilience.
With flooding posing an increasing threat to homes, businesses, and farmland, this investment aims to protect communities, support economic growth and safeguard infrastructure.
Steve Reed, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs said: “The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. The role of any Government is to protect its citizens. Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65bn to build and maintain flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.”
Nationally, up to 1,000 projects will receive funding, including £43m for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset and £3.5m for flood defences in Dorset.
Essential maintenance will also be carried out, with £7m for Stallingborough Sea Defences and £3.8m for Pevensey Bay.
To fast-track protection for vulnerable communities, £140m will be prioritised for 31 flood defence projects that are ready to begin.
The government is also spending £36m on urgent repairs to flood defences damaged by extreme weather last winter and an additional £72m for maintenance over the next year.
Environment agency chair Alan Lovell said: “The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn. With this new funding, we will work closely with the Government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most.”