A new defence system to save Sandwich from flooding was demonstrated in the town on Monday.

The Environment Agency made the most of the spring tide to test the portable flood defences.

They will offer temporary protection and reduce the flood risk until permanent defences identified in the Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown Coastal Flood Risk Strategy have been built.

Mark Douch, area flood risk manager said: “The high spring tide provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate these demountable flood defences and show how they would work in the event of a flood incident.

“The coastline is going to come under increasing pressure over the coming years from sea level rise and increased storms due to climate change.”

Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Joe Trussler joined Environment Agency staff at The Quay on Monday morning.

He said: “This is a step forward in protecting Sandwich against flooding.

“I would like to thank the Environment Agency for what it is doing and for putting temporary measures in place. “I look forward to the day when we have permanent flood protection.”

The flood risk strategy has been produced in partnership with the district council and went out to public consultation in September 2007.

It has identified several options for managing coastal flooding and erosion between Pegwell Bay and Kingsdown.

It also looks at tidal flooding from the River Stour in Sandwich and subject to approval, the town will be protected using a storage reservoir at Broadsalts, which has added benefits of potentially creating a nature reserve.

Coastal defences will also be strengthened between Sandwich and Deal.

Anyone who is concerned about flooding can find out more information on the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by phoning the our 24 hour Floodline on 08459 881188.