Flood prevention scheme for village delayed

Feniton has been flooded several times in the past

Construction work on the final stage of a flood defence scheme designed to protect the east Devon village of Feniton has been delayed.

East Devon District Council had already started clearing the construction area and preparing the site compound.

However, the council said engineers had discovered a badly designed railway crossing culvert which will need rebuilding.

The additional work, together with issues regarding the funding of the project, means construction has been pushed back to mid-summer, the authority said.

Tom Buxton-Smith, the council's engineering projects manager, said: "East Devon District Council is working all hours to get this scheme on-site this summer.

"I am hopeful all outstanding risks will be resolved soon, and we can deliver this long-awaited project."

Feniton has suffered serious flooding on a number of occasions, including in 2008, 2010 and twice in 2012.