THE GOVERNMENT has hurried along plans to protect homes from flooding in West Bay.

As part of a flood defence programme for the south west, a scheme for West Bay will provide protection five years earlier than originally planned, and reduce flood risk for 250 homes.

Three brand new schemes have been given the green light as part of the long-term investment programme and work will start on a total of 37 flood defence projects earlier than previously announced.

The work at West Bay will now begin next year.

Environment Agency chairman Sir Philip Dilley said: “This programme of more than 1,500 flood risk management schemes will significantly reduce flood risk to more than 300,000 properties in England by 2021, benefitting people, the economy and the environment.

“Government funding has also been brought forward meaning that over 30,000 properties will benefit from reduced flood risk earlier than originally planned.

"Our priority is to do as much as we can with every pound of funding from government and local partners, but of course the risk of flooding can never be entirely eliminated.

“With one in six homes in England at risk of flooding, I encourage people to check their flood risk and sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service.”

A tidal scheme in Devon will also be undertaken ahead of schedule, as will work to protect properties in Poole.

The government is bringing forward more than £140 million of the £2.3 billion six-year flood defence programme announced in December to better protect more than 31,000 homes and businesses from flooding sooner than planned.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “What this announcement means is greater peace of mind for thousands of people who are at risk from flooding across the south west.

“Work will begin on 37 flood defence projects sooner than originally planned. This is another example of infrastructure funded by the UK Government as part of our long-term economic plan.”

West Beach is currently being replenished with shingle following erosion.

The beach material, approved by the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site team and Natural England, is being brought in from the same quarry as the beach was constructed from in 2005. It will be covered in a red dust that will eventually wash away.