Devon County Council leader calls for severe weather resilience investment

Devon County council leader Julian Brazil is calling for extra investment in infrastructure to protect communities from flooding and storms.

Storm Ingrid led to road closures around the county and severely damaged a sea wall between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren on Saturday, stopping all rail services.

Several homes were severely damaged in Torcross in the South Hams, and the A379 Slapton Line – a narrow coast road already under threat of erosion – was closed after it was undermined at high tide.

Old Rydon Lane in Exeter was closed to vehicles for a period, and Clyst St Mary and the Sandygate Roundabout were also affected by flooding.

The Council’s Network Operations Team, which monitors the county’s highways infrastructure, received more than 200 calls in 24 hours.

Devon County Council leader Councillor Julian Brazil said it was now time for Government to find long‑term solutions to help communities facing regular severe weather.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader od Devon County Council, said:

“We are experiencing more frequent and more severe storms in Devon, bringing high winds and heavy rain with them, and these have a significant impact on people’s lives.

“These communities rely on a transport infrastructure to keep them safe and to get to and from work and education.

“This week our residents will experience the very real impact of decades of under‑investment in sea defences, flood alleviation schemes, and roads and rail infrastructure.

“Our council officers have done an amazing job of patching up roads, keeping them open, and supporting residents affected by flooding, but there is only so much we can do when the Government continues to deliver real‑terms cuts in funding.”

Cllr Brazil said he would invite Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds to visit communities affected by the recent severe weather and discuss opportunities for better protecting them.