More cash for flood defence

Said Sussex flood manager Peter Midgeley: 'We welcome the announcement made by the Minister that money is being made available.

'At the moment we are checking whether we meet the set criteria referred to in the document.

'If this is so, we will be in a position to move in the coming financial year.

'The estimate of the on-the-ground costs of the Ouse strategy are 10.8 million in terms of present value.'

The works at Lewes include raised and improved river walls and embankments and a new downstream floodplain.

Works are also proposed to increase river capacity under the bridge in Uckfield High Street and small-scale works are proposed at Barcombe and elsewhere.

Flood and Coastal Defence Minister Elliot Morley this week said the cash increase followed a detailed assessment of departmental funds available in the coming financial year.

From all sources, the Government would be investing 440 million in flood and coastal defence spending next year.

And he added: 'Funding has been made available to allow new high priority schemes to proceed in 2003-2004, including Lewes and Bulverhythe in East Sussex provided they meet the set criteria.

'I am delighted that we are able to push ahead even quicker than we had thought; there is a great deal of work to be done and details worked out on some important schemes.

'However, extra money is there which will enable extra protection to be brought forward.'