Colebrook village flood scheme brought forward

The village's drains were overwhelmed by heavy rain several times in 2012

Plans for a flood prevention scheme for a village near Plymouth have been brought forward.

Colebrook residents were told it could be 2014 before a solution was found but South West Water say they hope to have a scheme in place by October.

The village flooded six times last year, including two floods in two days before Christmas.

The MP for South West Devon, Gary Streeter, said he was "very encouraged" by the water company's announcement.

'Long way to go'

Torrential rain overwhelmed the village's combined Victorian drains twice in 48 hours in November.

Many residents spent the festive period in temporary accommodation or with relatives.

Following a meeting with the Plymouth City Council, South West Water and the Environment Agency, the water company has announced it has engaged consultants to explore the £500,000 scheme in more detail.

It will mean a gully is widened to allow water to flow to the nearby Tory Brook.

A public meeting will be held in April where the water company will show villagers its plans.

Mr Streeter, the Conservative MP for the area, said: "There is a still a long way to go but I am very encouraged that all of the agencies concerned appreciate the seriousness of the flooding situation in Colebrook and are determined to put in place a viable solution at the earliest possible moment."