Politicians welcome flood defences funding for north Northumberland
More than half a million pounds of investment for flood defences in north Northumberland has been announced.
Speaking in Parliament, David Smith highlighted the £345,000 for the Coquet Estuary, the £203,000 for Budle Bay and £20,000 for the Belford Burn projects.
The MP for North Northumberland also raised concerns that one in four homes are projected to be at risk from flooding by 2050.
Responding, the Floods Minister Emma Hardy said that the Government is “investing at least £300million in natural flood management over the next 10 years”, as well as making it easier to support deprived communities suffering from flooding.
The Belford Burn project consists of essential wall repairs and Bamburgh ward county councillor Guy Renner-Thompson has been working with the Environment Agency to address concerns, recently meeting with flood community engagement officer Colin Hall to inspect the burn and discuss on-going flood risks.
The agency and Newcastle University launched a pioneering natural flood prevention scheme in 2008 that was completed in 2015.
Welcoming the funding announcement, Mr Smith said: “Flooding has caused worry and disruption for families and businesses in North Northumberland in the past and strengthening our local defences is essential.
“This substantial investment from the Labour Government across our area will make a meaningful difference – helping to protect homes, support local businesses and give our communities the security they deserve.”
The flood prevention scheme in Belford focused on slowing the flow of water upstream using a series of small-scale interventions rather than large, traditional flood defences.
Measures included the creation of bunds, barriers made from soil, wood or stone, to temporarily store water in fields and open land. These leaky structures are designed to release water slowly, reducing pressure on the village.
Coun Renner-Thompson said: “I have been meeting with the Environment Agency in Belford to inspect the walls of the Burn and discuss flooding issues in the village.
“Now, the agency has agreed to wall repairs along the Belford Burn, which is great news.
“Flooding from Belford Burn now only impacts a few houses – but if one of those houses is yours, it has a huge impact on your life.”