Starcross and Cockwood tidal defence scheme public exhibition

The Environment Agency is holding a public exhibition on Friday 16 October 2015 to provide people with more information about the Starcross and Cockwood tidal defence scheme.

The Environment Agency is currently investigating options to manage the risk of tidal flooding at the coastal villages of Starcross and Cockwood on the Exe Estuary. The scheme is estimated to reduce flood risk to over 600 properties. It was accelerated as part of the March 2015 Budget announcement regarding England’s 6-year flood defence programme.

The exhibition is being held from 12 noon to 8pm on Friday 16 October at Starcross Pavilion, Generals Lane, Starcross, EX6 8PY.

A range of information will be available about the scheme, including its objectives, the approximate timescales and also how it aligns to the on-going work at Dawlish Warren. People can learn more about how and why flooding occurs at Starcross and Cockwood and the flood routes which have been identified.

Over the summer, the Environment Agency conducted research into flooding mechanisms within the area. The team carried out walkover surveys and site investigations to review the quality and strength of the area’s current defences. The results of these investigations and the details of design work progressed to-date will also be available for review. Members of the project team will be present at the exhibition to answer any questions.

Charles Hill, Project Manager for the scheme comments: "We are keen to invite comment about our plans and to hear people’s views. Therefore, we hope that people will take this opportunity to learn more about our initial proposals for managing flood risk at Starcross and Cockwood."

Ahead of the Environment Agency’s annual Flood Action Campaign in November 2015, people can also learn how to be better prepared for flooding and how to sign-up for free flood warnings, via the Floodline Warnings Direct Service.