Environment Agency pledges nearly £20 million in funding for flood defences in Suffolk, including Ipswich Tidal Barrier

Homes and businesses in Suffolk should be better protected from flooding after a nearly £20 million boost.

The Environment Agency has pledged to fund 14 schemes in the county as part of a wider £2.65 billion injection for more than 1,000 projects nationally over the next two years.

Highlights include the Benacre and Kessingland Flood Risk Management scheme receiving £10,105,000 and the East Anglian Lower risk Debris Screens works getting £1,931,000.

Ipswich alone has received more than £2 million, including £112,000 for the tidal barrier at the town’s port.

Elsewhere in the county, the Needham Market Property Flood Resilience’s phase two (£560,000), Sudbury Surface Water Flood Alleviation Scheme (£300,000) and East Anglia Property Flood Resilience Project (£100,000) will also be covered.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, welcomed the news.

The announcement follows a visit from Environment Secretary Steve Reed in February.

He said: “I’m delighted the Government has announced more than £2 million to protect our town from flooding.

“This additional funding will protect lives and livelihoods in Ipswich and across Suffolk.

“When I welcomed the Environment Secretary to Ipswich tidal barrier in February, I emphasised the need for action after years of negligence. This record funding settlement delivers exactly that.”

With £11.23 million pledged for her constituency alone, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, said she was thrilled to see funding for such crucial projects.

In addition to the scheme at Benacre and Kessingland, the Leiston Surface Water flood alleviation scheme (£202,000) and Alde and Ore Pumping Station Phase 2 Sudbourne (£930,000) will also be given a share.

She had been in talks with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on these projects since her election, she said.

Ms Riddell-Carpenter added: “The good news will be much welcomed by the communities who have been urging for continued investment to improve flood resilience in Suffolk Coastal.

“This funding is vital for safeguarding homes and businesses, providing long-term security for our communities who are at continued risk from flooding and rising sea waters.”

The Environment Agency hopes the funding – equalling £68 million for the East of England – will protect as many as 6,000 homes from flooding.