The city of Bath could be under water from ‘extreme’ storms if nothing is done to improve flooding defences, Government sources warn.
Ministers are set to reveal a range of flood defence measures as they try to combat the devastating impact of intense storms.
The city in Somerset and other historic sites are at risk, sources said, with thousands of homes in danger from ‘appalling’ flood defences.
This week Environment Secretary Steve Reed will set out the details of a £2.4 billion investment, which will include £108 million ‘reprioritised’ to protect 14,500 homes in at-risk areas including Bath and Pevensey, East Sussex.
The City of Bath (pictured) is at severe risk of being submerged underwater without improved flood defences, ministers have been warned
Environment Secretary Steve Reed (pictured) will set out the details of a £2.4 billion investment to protect homes in the city this week
Mr Reed told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The Government inherited defences in their worst state on record. I’m announcing action to improve the nation’s flood resilience… to protect homes and businesses – supporting our Plan for Change.’
The Floods Resilience Taskforce will meet on Wednesday to review the country’s preparedness for flooding. More than 6.3 million properties in England are at risk, according to analysis by the Environment Agency.
The flooding investment will include more than £7 million for the Humber estuary, nearly £4 million for protection in Pevensey Bay, and more than £3.5 million for the Bath Flood Defence Scheme.
