TEIGNMOUTH has been given an early Christmas present – the start of the long awaited £4 million flood defence scheme.

The cash has just been approved by the government. work will start next week and should be completed before the start of the peak summer season.

It will protect the low-lying town centre from flooding from the river beach area, and the delighted mayor, Cllr David Cox, said: 'This is the best Christmas present ever. There should be dancing in the streets because it will give such a huge boost to the regeneration of the town.'

And long serving councillor Sylvia Russell was equally as enthusiastic.

'We have waited a very long time for this, and finally it is going to happen – great news,' she said.

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