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Flood alleviation plan funding shored up




West Berkshire Council announce flood protection plan for Newbury will go ahead as money has been secured

A SCHEME to protect Newbury town centre from crippling floods will go ahead despite a plea for local businesses to fund it going largely ignored.

West Berkshire Council has today (Monday) announced that the £110,000 needed to plug a shortfall in funding for the Newbury Flood Alleviation Scheme is now in place, triggering a Government grant of £1.2m.

Despite sending three letters to 180 businesses which would be directly affected by the scheme, asking for them to contribute towards it, the initial deadline for the cash to be secured sailed past as businesses in the town ignored a plea from the Environment Agency and West Berkshire Council to put up the money by December 23.

West Berkshire Council's portfolio holder for public protection, Anthony Stansfeld (Con, Kintbury) said he was frustrated by the local response.

"Considering the potential insurance benefits and the protection the project will provide, the response from businesses has been very disappointing, especially as they are the major beneficiaries of this scheme," he said.

"However, I am pleased to announce that West Berkshire Council is putting plans in place see the shortfall covered and the scheme proceed."

The project would protect Newbury from the devastating affects of floodwater rising from the Kennet and Avon river and canal which could potentially ruin businesses, homes and public buildings in the town.

A total of £2,100 has been pledged from businesses, including our sister publication, the Newbury Weekly News, which will be match-funded by Greenham Common Trust.

In addition, a pledge of £20,000 was received from Sovereign Housing.

West Berkshire Council pledged £180,000 and Newbury Town Council £45,000, leaving a shortfall of £86,800.

A spokesman for West Berkshire Council, Keith Ulyatt, said today: "In the interests of safeguarding the town, it is felt that the opportunity to secure £1.2m of government funding should not be allowed to pass.

"It has been agreed that West Berkshire Council and other organisations in the district, will in partnership collectively cover the shortfall.

"The important message is that this essential scheme to protect Newbury's retail and business centre against the highly damaging impact of flooding will go ahead, with work scheduled to start later this year.



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