City Council to rebuild flood wall

A flood defence wall badly damaged by the recent floods in Topsham will be rebuilt by Exeter City Council after the Environment Agency would not commit to repairing it.

A large section of the wall by the River Exe at Bowling Green Marsh was damaged during the high tides and storm damage in January and February. The wall provides protection to the RSPB reserve at Bowling Green Marsh and a number of nearby properties and businesses.

The Environment Agency has said that major repairing were not financially viable maintain and went ‘above and beyond’ normal repair procedures.

The EA had been maintaining the wall for the last 30 years but now says the cost of repair couldn’t be justified as few properties are affected in the area.

The City Council owns the land that the wall stands on and leases the land at Bowling Green Marsh to the RSPB, has now said they will fund a rebuilding of the wall.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Deputy Leader of Exeter City Council, said: "This is the right thing to do for people in Topsham, not only those who live and work here, but also those who visit the area to enjoy the wildlife.

We hope to make a start as soon as possible and have the work completed in the next six to eight weeks.”

Cllr Rob Newby, Ward Councillor for Topsham, said: “I’m really proud of what we’re doing and how quickly the Council has acted. It shouldn’t have had to get to this stage, but I’m pleased I can tell local people we will be doing what we can to protect them.”

The City Council will apply for the money to carry out the repairs from Central Government as part of the Bellwin Emergency Relief fund.