East Devon District Council is implementing a scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to over 70 homes in the village of Feniton. It involves a system of channels and culverts to divert flood water around the village and away from the homes at risk.

The first two phases of the scheme, consisting of new channels and improvements downstream of the village have already been completed, with Phase 3 currently in progress and Phase 4 due to commence in 2020.

John Golding, EDDC strategic lead for the environment, said: "It's great we're now moving forwards on this important project, working constructively with Network Rail to ensure this key part of the scheme is in place without undue risk to the council's finances."

Network Rail is due to complete all of Phase 3's design work in June 2019. This is in order for a contractor to be appointed, and the planned works completed during October 2019.

East Devon will be working with local landowners to make sure access is in place with the relevant legal notice served for this period.

East Devon is currently in discussions with Network Rail regarding the terms of the contract for the construction of the works. In particular, attention is being paid to how the £4,000 per minute liability for reopening the railway line is managed, as work cannot proceed without measures in place to manage the risk to the council's finances. This is a precaution in the event that the engineering works overrun.

If all goes to plan, the council anticipates the design work for Phase 4 will be undertaken over the winter, with actual construction taking place in spring 2020. This usually means the weather is warmer and the work can be done more quickly, with less disruption to local residents.

Image courtesy of EDDC.