MORE than a quarter of a million pounds is set to be pumped into the Cotswolds to help prevent flooding across the region.

Thanks to a number of recent efficiency savings, Gloucestershire County Council have been able to allocate £1.086m for flood works across the county, including £250,200 for work in the Cotswolds.

The money, together with funds committed by Cotswold District Council, the Environment Agency and a number of town and parish councils, will be used for much-needed flood relief works and ditch improvements in Moreton-in-Marsh, which was severely affected by the devastating 2007 floods.

Projects in Lechlade, Northleach, Lower Slaughter, Bledington and Blockley will also benefit from the funds, along with works in Chipping Campden and nearby Weston-Sub-Edge.

GCC cabinet member for communities Cllr Will Windsor-Clive (Con, Newent) described the funding as “great news for the people of Gloucestershire”.

“This investment in protecting our infrastructure from the flood risk has been made possible thanks to back-office savings,” he added.

CDC leader Cllr Lynden Stowe (Con, Campden-Vale) said he was pleased the council had been able to work with other agencies across Gloucestershire to make the funding available.

“Finally, the pieces of the jigsaw have come together,” he said.

“Now that all the funding is in place, we can get on and swiftly complete the right schemes for each of the communities to alleviate the risk of flooding.”

CDC cabinet member for the environment Cllr David Fowles (Con, Hampton) also welcomed the news.

“I realise that it has taken some time to get where we are now but detailed studies were necessary to ensure we could prioritise the necessary improvements to help protect residents and properties,” he said.

“The recent wet weather has reminded us, again, that flooding is a constant threat.”