PLANNING permission was recently granted for the the final stage of a major flood defence project in Moreton-in-Marsh.

The final part of the Cotswold town's flood alleviation scheme will involve the creation of a series of culverts and ditches to reduce flood risk.

The Environment Agency has assessed that the scheme would be effective without causing any damage to the surrounding land, and its consent has now paved the way for work to start within the next few months.

The strengthening of flood defences has already been credited with ensuring properties in Swan Close did not flood during recent heavy rains, due to the completion of the bund.

Once the South and West Sections of the scheme are completed, and connected to the culvert installed at Stowbridge in September last year, it is expected the town will see a significant reduction in flood risk.

Councillor Sue Coakley, cabinet member for the environment at Cotswold District Council and chairman of the Moreton Flood Alleviation Board, said: “This is excellent news. We hope that this work can proceed within the next few months.

"We now need to secure the necessary legal agreements in the next couple of months through discussions with relevant landowners, and we are very grateful for their co-operation in this matter.

"We have already spent £350,000 on improvements to flood defences in the town and it is good to know that we are nearing completion.”

Councillor Vernon Smith, the Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and floods, said: "It is really important to me and the county council to continue improving flood relief across the county. Gloucestershire County Council has agreed to allocate additional funding of £50,000 to support this scheme."

Councillor Michael Lucas, of Moreton Town Council, added: “Moreton-in-Marsh is grateful that the diversion scheme to the south west of the town has now been approved.

"When this work is finished it will complete the planned major flood alleviation works to protect the town.

"Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council has agreed funding of £30,000.

"The town is also grateful for the various improvements which have been carried out over the years to reduce flood risk."