Environment Agency announces nearly £600,000 funding for flood defence schemes in north Northumberland

The Environment Agency has announced plans for schemes in the coming year at Budle Bay, Beadnell and in the Coquet Valley.

Schemes to receive funding include the Beadnell North Sea Wall Improvements to defend from coastal erosion (£335,000), the North Northumberland and Budle Bay Coastal Streams habitat works to defend from sea flooding (£139,000), and the Coquet Estuary Re-Alignment to defend from river flooding. (£123,000).

This investment is part of the Government’s Plan for Change, protecting businesses, delivering new jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of the increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change.

David Smith, Labour MP for North Northumberland, said: “I’m delighted the Labour Government has announced £600,000 of funding for Budle Bay, Beadnell, and the Coquet valley.

“This additional funding will protect lives and livelihoods across the constituency – one of the largest in England, with one of the best coastlines!”

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “I know from first hand experience the devastating impacts that flooding can cause.

“The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record following 14 years of Conservative neglect.

“Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting three schemes in north Northumberland, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs.”

Where schemes have not been funded, local EA teams will continue to work with councils and flood groups to ensure the public are prepared and the flood risk is reduced.

Hexham constituency will benefit from four new flood schemes totalling £638,000, including the Longhorsley Flood Alleviation Scheme.

However, Bamburgh ward councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Conservative, said: “As usual the Government is being dishonest and re-announcing money which was allocated long before Labour came to power.

"Cash has been in the EA and Council budget for Beadnell since at least 2023. It was always planned to do Beadnell following the work to future proof Seahouses harbour. Work is now due to start in summer 2026”