Unlocking potential £120m flood defences could give £1.4bn boost

A £120 million project to prevent flooding in the West Country could boost the regional economy by up to £1.4bn and create thousands of jobs, according to those behind the scheme.

- Hannah BAKER

An aerial view of the flood defences at Cake Pill

Some 17km of new flood defences have been installed in the Avonmouth and Severnside area stretching from Lamplighter's Marsh in the south to Aust Cliff in the north - in a bid to provide long-term protection to communities. It is understood to be the largest scheme of its kind ever undertaken in the region.

The new infrastructure includes earth embankments, flood gates, and sheet pile walls, as well as glass panels that help protect against flooding while preserving the area's scenic views.

Those behind the project say it will "unlock the full potential" of the Avonmouth and Severnside enterprise area a 1,800-hectare economic hub stretching five miles along the Severn Estuary.