Simon Jupp MP welcomes million-pound flood management funding from government for River Otter and River Sid

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, has welcomed the announcement made by Flooding Minister Robbie Moore MP of over £1.4m to help reduce flood risks around the River Sid and River Otter.

Following the major flooding experienced by local towns and villages last May, the East Devon MP has been working with the government to secure extra investment into flood management schemes in East Devon. During a recent visit to East Devon, the Flooding Minister met with Simon Jupp MP who pushed for progress on funding again.

Communities around the River Otter were some of the worst affected by last May’s flooding and the East Devon MP met with many impacted residents to offer his support.

The Environment Agency’s scheme – called Climate Resilient Otter Catchment (CROC) – involves 8 projects around the River Otter with a focus on land and soil management, as well as local farming practices. Simon Jupp MP personally backed the Environment Agency’s funding bid for the CROC.

The River Sid scheme has been put together by the Sidbury Manor Estate and involves four projects including targeted tree planting to slow surface water and river restoration.

The two schemes backed with government funding aim to reduce the risk of flash flooding in local towns and villages including Ottery St Mary, Newton Poppleford, Harpford, Sidbury, Sidford and Sidmouth.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “I’m really chuffed to welcome this million-pound government investment into flood management schemes around the River Otter and River Sid. After last May’s major flooding, I met with many impacted local residents and campaigned hard on their behalf to secure extra funding to improve East Devon’s flood resilience. I’m delighted the Flooding Minister has listened to my calls. I will continue working with the government, Environment Agency and Devon County Council to ensure work begins as quickly as possible.”