The Environment Agency, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council have teamed up to exhibit their plans to reduce the risk of flooding in Exeter.
The exhibition, being held at the Exeter Guildhall yesterday and today, outlines how the councils will work together to help prevent up to 2,000 homes from being affected by flood damage.
The scheme also aims to provide 1,000 new jobs, protect existing businesses and jobs, reduce the risk of flooding and provide a potential £200 million economic benefit to the city.
Recent studies show that after extreme flooding over 5,000 properties, infrastructures and the local economy could be affected with the current flood defences.
George Arnison, for the Environment Agency, said: "We want a scheme which protects the city and that the people who live and work in Exeter feel happy with. Local knowledge and experience will be important in helping us to shape how flood risk is managed in Exeter, and we hope as many people as possible come in and see us over the two days."
The scheme is estimated to cost £26 million, with £6 million coming from the Government and the other £20 million coming from the councils.
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Exeter, said "The new defences will provide relief for hundreds of householders and businesses in Exeter which is why Devon County Council contributed £3 million towards the cost. We have already had officers helping to work up the scheme because we feel it is so important to the safety of so many Exeter residents."
The exhibition comes after resident meetings in areas where improvement is needed. The Environment Agency and councils will also seek the views of local interest groups and river users.
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