New support for people to protect flood-hit homes

New support is to be offered to help people protect their homes in a town repeatedly hit by flooding.

The Environment Agency (EA) said surveys of homes in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, will begin in 2027, when the authority will assess what kind of support and how much funding is needed.

The EA said it had also identified potential funding routes for a new pedestrian bridge to be built as the current Town Bridge can become impassable during heavy flooding.

A town council spokesperson said the update is "welcomed", adding: "Since the 2024 floods, we've been pushing for more support to help Bradford on Avon prepare for future flooding."

They added that a new bridge "could help keep the town connected during periods of severe flooding, when the historic Town Bridge may be cut off".

Bradford on Avon was severely flooded in January 2024 before being devastated by Storm Bert later that year.

Initial EA surveys will assess how homes are exposed to flooding and what protections could be put in place, as part of a wider project known as Property Flood Resilience.

MP for Melksham and Devizes, Brian Mathew, has urged the EA to consider introducing the same protections to local businesses as the homes will get.

"I know how frustrating this situation is for residents and businesses who have repeatedly suffered from flooding," he said.

"While there are no easy answers, that cannot be an excuse for inaction."

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