29/06/2010 - Warning over flood defence cost
The Environment Agency has warned that small business, communities and landowners may have to pay out more to ensure they are protected against flooding in the future.
The government agency has said that its spending on flood prevention methods has reached a record high but that other sources of funding would need to be secured.
The agency, which manages flooding of rivers and coastal areas and surface water flooding, was given £629 million in government funding this financial year but has warned that more money needs to be found to prevent communities from the impact of flooding and coastal erosion.
At a flood and coastal risk management conference in Telford, Environment Agency chief executive Dr Paul Leinster will point to communities which have already adopted an approach in which they contribute to flood defences.
In Hereford, Asda contributed £2 million under planning conditions for a supermarket in the town and constructed 440 metres of flood defence as part of a £7.5 million scheme to protect 196 properties including 25 listed buildings.
Dr Leinster said: "We must now also look at alternative funding streams, including increased contributions from those who will benefit from future defence schemes."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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