On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 6:00am Room 5 / Oliver Cheatham - Make Luv Schedule

Flood Defence: East Cowes To Benefit From Government Funding

Photo thanks to Martin Miller.

East Cowes is set to receive a share of £170 million for new flood defences - with construction expected to start within the next 18 months.

The Government hopes the funding will protect homes and businesses at vulnerable coastal sites across the country.

According the Environment Agency, the money for East Cowes will be used to reduce the risk of tidal flooding and increase resilience for properties and businesses including the Red Funnel ferry terminal.

Welcoming the news, announced this morning (Tuesday), Island MP Bob Seely said:

“East Cowes is one of 22 shovel-ready flood defence projects to receive this investment from the Government which is great news for East Cowes and the Island.

“The Government has chosen to invest in flood defences in East Cowes because of the strong economic benefits it will bring by protecting jobs and businesses.

“We have seen the effects of flooding on homes and businesses over the years, so I’m delighted that we have been able to secure funding.

“This investment in East Cowes is in addition to last week’s news that the IW Council has agreed to press ahead with its purchase of Venture Quays to protect jobs in the area.”

The announcement comes ahead of the publication of the Environment Agency’s long-term Flood and Coast Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, which will set out how the Environment Agency will work with communities to deliver the government’s plan.

More from Isle of Wight News