Tidal barrier scheme still due to start in 2023
A major flood protection scheme for Bridgwater has not been delayed by the pandemic - with the Environment Agency confirming work will still start on the new tidal barrier in 2023.
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
The Environment Agency has been giving an update on its upcoming work - as it reflects on the past six years of work, which included a £4.5 million scheme to protect 200 homes at Cannington, near Bridgwater, from flooding.
It was part of a six year programme across England to protect 300,000 homes and businesses.
The Somerset flood defence scheme, which finished in 2017, created a new flood bypass channel capable of moving flood water away from the village - and also reduces the risk of the A39 from flooding.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "£2.6 billion has been invested since 2015, with the Environment Agency and partners delivering more than 700 new projects, better protecting 300,000 properties, nearly 600,000 acres of agricultural land, thousands of businesses and major pieces of infrastructure, and helping to save the economy more than £28 billion in avoided damages over the lifetime of defence assets."