HOMES and businesses in Central Devon are better protected from flooding and coastal erosion after £1,195,000 has been invested locally by the Government in protective measures since 2015.

Exceeding initial targets, more than 314,000 homes and 580,000 acres of agricultural land across the country are now better protected from flooding, and thousands of businesses, communities, as well as critical infrastructure, have been given extra protection.

In 2012, Central Devon experienced some of the worst flooding in the country with many families displaced when rivers overflowed and their homes were flooded.

Local MP Mel Stride hosted visits from then Prime Minister David Cameron to Buckfastleigh and Secretary of State for the Environment Owen Paterson to Kennford to see the damage caused to local homes and to speak with Environment Agency staff about urgent repair work.

Mr Stride also twice visited Stoke Canon, which was badly affected and subsequently benefited from a new £1.8 million defence system built within months.

At the time he spoke passionately in the House of Commons in support of local families struggling to get flooding insurance at affordable rates.

Mr Stride said: “Although a decade ago, the deeply upsetting memories I have of meeting devastated families whose homes had been three feet under water are still very vivid.

“I am grateful that the Government listened to myself and other MPs who made the case for urgent investment in flood defence improvements and that this has continued in recent years.

“A further commitment to double national investment by 2027 is also very welcome.”

Between 2021 and 2027 the Government will spend £5.2 billion on flood defences and coastal erosion schemes, doubling the £2.6 billion spent between 2015 and 2021.

The Government has also established the Farming Recovery Fund to assist farmers whose land has been damaged by flooding and erosion with grants of up to £25,000.