The government has announced millions of pounds of funding for flood defences in the Dover district.

In an interactive map published by the department for environment it states that Deal will receive £1.8 million funding which will help to protect 7,830 homes from flooding. The scheme is due to start in 2016 until 2018.

In Dover, the government has pledged to spend £10.26 million on a scheme which will protect 2,240 homes. Work will take place between 2018 and 2021.

Much to the delight of residents in Kingsdown who have been campaigning for better flood defences for many years, the plans also include £5.44 million of funding for a groyne replacement scheme and beach maintenance from Walmer to Kingsdown which would protect 195 homes from flooding.

Kingsdown beach will also receive a further £750,000 of funding, protecting 890 homes.

Karen Brewer, of North Road, and a volunteer for the Kingsdown Conservation Trust, said: “We are delighted that the Kingsdown to Walmer groyne replacement scheme and beach maintenance has now been officially approved.

“This is thanks to the work put in by Dover District Council and the East Kent Engineering Partnership. We hope to receive a schedule for the work before Christmas.”

Another resident Helen Williams, who lives at the Old Lifeboat House said: “Here in Kingsdown we are delighted with the Environment Agency news that our beach works will start next year, starting with replacement of the old groynes that are well past their 50 year lifespan, and desperately need replacing with new timber and a new alignment to keep the shingle up on the beach.

“The beach will also be in a better condition for the many holiday makers and visitors who come here, especially in the summer.”

The overall scheme for the country sets out £2.3 billion of funding and has been described as the largest and most ambitious flood and coastal erosion risk management investment programme ever undertaken in England.