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Following the success of the Shaldon and Ringmore tidal flood defence scheme across the river, the Environment Agency and its contractor Interserve are implementing a site-specific scheme for Teignmouth's back beach (officially the river beach). Here, high tides exacerbated by strong winds can cause flooding to the residential properties and businesses along the beach and the lanes that lead to it.

The scheme was announced in December 2011 Link The different conditions compared to Shaldon require flood walls, doors and windows to be constructed at the face of the affected buildings. The appearance is not pretty but the work will protect these properties especially in future if sea levels rise. Another element of the scheme is to re-engineer a storm water holding tank and the deck covering it by Gales Hill, a minor access along the waterfront north of the New Quay Inn. It is believed that measures will also be taken to minimise the risk of pollution reaching the river.

The limited extent of the works, compared to the Shaldon and Ringmore scheme, means that they must all be undertaken simultaneously. Every effort has been made to reduce disruption to businesses, residents and the public.

Shaldon and Ringmore tidal flood defence scheme
Shaldon and Ringmore are neighbouring villages by the Teign estuary. Houses, shops and hotels front the foreshore, reached by lanes and alleyways. There was a risk of tidal flooding to a basin behind the old informal defences, with two near-escapes in October 2004 and March 2008. The £8.3 million tailor-made scheme reduces the risk of tidal flooding to 453 homes and businesses. The Parish Council will operate the flood gates with 40 volunteer flood wardens.

Work started in January 2010 when the Environment Agency’s contractors moved into Shaldon to raise 940 metres of existing foreshore walls, construct 470 metres of new foreshore wall, install ten floodgates and 25 flood windows and doors together with steps and ramps at specific locations. The work is of high quality that fits into the townscape by using local materials. The project employed a number of ground-breaking engineering techniques. Simple-looking walls in places conceal sheet piling that was installed with relatively quiet specialist equipment. Environmental enhancements were undertaken where opportunities allowed. A pumping station and outfall were included to resolve surface water issues.

The scheme was completed in May 2011. It was the first example of ‘Building Trust with Communities’, the Environment Agency’s approach to public engagement. Construction traffic in the villages was reduced by siting the contractor’s main compound at Broadmeadow in Teignmouth across the river. The contractor’s staff won praise from residents for their cheerful and considerate conduct. The flood defences were officially opened on Friday, 1 July 2011. The event marked the end of seven years work by the Environment Agency and its contractors, Interserve.

Funding for the scheme came from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the South West Regional Flood Defence Committee. The scheme has won two national awards, a Silver Considerate Contractor Award for the considerate manner in which the works were carried out and an Environment Agency award for Exemplar Safety, Health and Environment Performance. Only four national awards of this level are awarded each year.

Text adapted from the Environment Agency’s website Link A report to Teignbridge District Council's Development Control Committee, 28 September 2009, was published as a Google Doc: Link For viewing options, right click (PC) or Control+click (Mac).