A £1.3million flood action plan aimed at helping more than 250 properties in Devon has been approved.

Cabinet members at Devon District Council approved the Flood Risk Management Action Plan yesterday (Wednesday) for this financial year. The scheme will address a range of flood problems in communities across Devon, including phase two of flood improvement works at Axminster Millbrook.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for highway management and flood prevention, said: “We have made good progress on a number of flood protection schemes and we have carried out a series of assessments that will guide future programmes. Flooding can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and many communities across Devon need support to reduce flood risk.

“The County Council invested £1 million in 2015/16 in support of flood prevention measures and this year we’re looking at a further £1.3 million to develop a proactive programme of schemes, while also drawing down external funding.”