East Devon flood relief work underway

Advanced works for phase two of the Axminster Millbrook Flood Defence Scheme have started today (Monday 19 September).

The preliminary work includes channel widening downstream of the railway and the installation of a "tree-catcher" debris grill upstream of the culvert beneath Willhaye Lane.

The second phase of Devon County Council's £540,000 scheme involves extending and increasing the size of the existing Willhaye Lane culvert to increase its capacity and allow greater flows to be conveyed to the main River Axe. These works have been designed to link up with the existing Network Rail culverts and channel improvements further downstream.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: "This scheme is part of our Flood Risk Management Action Plan which aims to reduce flood risk to our communities across the county. It will build on the successful installation of the phase one flood defence wall that was completed by the County Council in April 2015. The scheme will provide flood relief to over 160 properties identified as being at risk from a 1 in 100 year storm event."

Devon County Council has been working closely on the scheme with East Devon District Council, Network Rail and the Environment Agency. Partnership funding for the works has been achieved through £240,000 Flood Defence Grant in Aid, £50,000 Local Levy, £50,000 from East Devon District Council and over £200,000 from Devon County Council including investigations and design.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, Devon County and East Devon District Councillor for Axminster, said: “The devastation caused in 2012 meant some residents had to move out of their homes for six months or more and left many others fearing it could happen again. This is a good example of partnership working between the various authorities and organisations involved in reducing flood risk, and I'm very pleased to see the second phase of the project underway.”

Work on the main elements of the scheme will start next month and it is expected to last six months.