Flood defence money has been slashed by half, leaving those living along the Medway high but possibly not dry.

A total of £34 million was earmarked for renovating the Leigh Barrier and a building a flood storage area on the River Beult, following the devastating floods of December 2013.

In plans proudly announced by then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in December 2014 on a visit to Yalding, Kent County Council was to provide £17 million, which was to be matched by the government. At the time KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter warned it could take 15 years to raise its £17m and that taxes could rise.

The Environment Agency (EA) revealed to the Kent Messenger on Tuesday the total amount for defences would be £17.1 million with the government putting in £11 million.
KCC will pay £2.5 million, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council paid £0.5 million there will be a grant from South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for £4.5million.

It said improvements will be made to the Leigh and Hildenborough flood storage areas, and a new flood alleviation scheme in East Peckham, as the best way of reducing the risk to as many people as possible.

It would not reveal a breakdown of figures showing how much cash was coming from KCC and the other organisations.

Confirmation of the cuts emerged a week after the Kent Flood and Risk Committee met at Yalding Village Hall. The Environment Agency was not present.
The meeting heard Kent County Council would be spending less in order to focus on education and adult social care.

A presentation from Southern Water covered flood prevention, but no detail on defence plans were given.

Yalding resident Major T.J. Oyler, of Acott Fields, attended. He said: “In Yalding we have been flooded twice in 13 years. We expected rather more details of the defences which should be provided to prevent flooding.”

Several villagers were angry no representative from the EA had appeared. A spokesman said this was because Yalding flood defences were “not on the agenda.”

Some questioned how effective temporary signs warning of flooded roads were. The group heard some drivers threw them to the side before ploughing through flood water, causing large bow waves, making the situation worse.

Geraldine Brown, Yalding Parish council chairman, said: “Defra is proposing to hold a series of workshop-type consultations shortly, when residents will find out what can and can’t be done to improve flood resilience and what funding is available.”