Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed additional investment from the Government in the Havant Constituency to improve local flood defences after campaigning for the funds in Westminster.
The funding, which totals over £4 million, has been allocated to Havant Borough Council from the Government and will be spent on projects such as the Broadmarsh Landfill Revetment, groyne removal works, and a bird movement data study.
The main investment however, which is receiving over £3 million, is for the South Hayling Beach Management project, including improvements to drainage at Eastoke and a coastal flood and erosion risk management strategy.
The Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan (FCEIP) outlines a record-breaking £5.2 billion of investment over the next six years to bolster the UK’s coastal defences. Nationally more than 850 new flood and coastal erosion defence projects have already been completed, which according to estimates has already saved more than £28 billion in damages to homes and businesses through the extra protection provided to communities on the coastline including in the Havant Constituency.
Local MP Alan Mak said: “Protecting our coastline is a key issue in the Havant Constituency, especially for areas such as Broadmarsh in Havant and Hayling Island. Following my campaigning in Westminster I am delighted that the Government has announced that our area will benefit from over £4.3 million that will enhance our coastal defences helping to protect local residents and property for years to come.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Our programme of work has protected over 314,000 properties, defending people, communities, and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion. We know that there is still more to do, so we are doubling our investment with a record £5.2 billion over the next six years.”
