The Environment Agency has started work this week on the first phase of Exeter’s £30 million flood scheme by deepening the Trew’s flood relief channel.
Phase one will include deepening the existing flood relief channel, lowering the spill weir at the top of Trew’s flood relief channel and removing the ‘check weir’ at the bottom of the channel. The works will increase the flow capacity of the flood relief channel.
Other improvements include the construction of a meandering stream through the centre of the flood relief channel, construction of fish passes on Trew’s weir and a low level pedestrian access across the middle of the flood relief channel.
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth and Cabinet Liaison for Exeter, said:
“This is an important first step in this scheme and we’re pleased to see work underway. The new defences are vital to the economy of Exeter and it will provide flood relief to hundreds of householders and businesses in the city.”
The Environment Agency and its partners, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council have already held a series of public exhibitions to seek people’s views about the designs for phase two of the scheme.
Work on phase two is planned to start in Autumn 2015 and the designs are still being worked on.
The scheme will cost approximately £30 million with a contribution of £3 million each from Exeter City Council and Devon County Council plus £6 million of government growth funding. The remainder will be financed from flood defence grant in aid.
When finished the new scheme will reduce flood risk to approximately 3,000 homes and businesses throughout the city.
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