THE Environment Agency (EA) has approved a grant to cover the costs of repairs to coastal defences in Topsham.

The defences at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, were damaged by the storms in February this year and the repair has just been finished.

A large section of the coastal defence alongside the River Clyst frontage was severely damaged during the high tides and storm damage in January and February.

This resulted in a breach which allowed the high tides to overtop and flow into the protected land and inland road behind it.

These raised defences provide protection to the RSPB reserve at Bowling Green Marsh and a number of nearby properties and businesses.

The land is owned by the City Council and leased to the RSPB. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has European status as a freshwater marshes habitat.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Deputy Leader of Exeter City Council, said: "We’re very grateful to the Environment Agency for this grant funding. Although it’s sunny now, you never know what is around the corner in terms of the weather and I'm sure that those living nearby and visiting the site will be relieved to know that the defences are back in place.”

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in Devon said: “I'm delighted that the works have gone to schedule and been carried out with the minimum of fuss and disruption. In fact we've even had some rare overseas visitors to the reserve during the work, like a purple heron, a Ross's gull and a spoonbill.

"The reserve is nationally important for a wide range of estuary birds, particularly in winter, and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of people that visit every year.”

Rob Sanders, who lives next to Bowling Green Marsh, said he was pleased with the way the works had been carried out. He added: "I would like to take my hat off to the contractors and the City Council for the way the that the repairs have been undertaken.

"There's been minimal disruption and we can now sleep soundly at night knowing that these crucial defences have been mended."

For more information contact Steve Upsher, Communications Officer, on 01392 265103.