Exeter has a long history of flooding, going back as far as the 13th century. The current flood defences were built in the 1960s and 70s after devastating flooding affected more than 1,000 properties.

Although the current flood defences have worked effectively over the past 40 years, studies carried out by the Environment Agency indicate that in a more extreme flood the current scheme would not be able to protect vulnerable parts of the city.

Works on The Exeter Flood Defence Project

The Exeter Flood, Defence Scheme project, will reduce flood risk to more than 3,000 homes and businesses in Exeter. The project is managed by the Environment Agency with support from project partners Exeter City Council and Devon County Council. The project is split into 2 phases: Phase 1 is now complete, and Phase 2 construction started in June 2016 and is due for completion in 2018.

Luxton Engineering Limited (L.E.L) was awarded a contract to install hardwood timber cladding to sheet piles by Principal Contractor BAM Nuttall who is part of the BMM JV on the Water Environmental Management Framework (WEM) in October of 2017 – Works are due for completion in January 2018 and have an approximate value of £85k.

Director, Phil Luxton explains the scope of works, ”The project is to install hardwood timber cladding to sheet piles, some piles being situated alongside or in the river, (tributary to the Exe) which is tidal. This has made working access and working restrictions quite a challenge. Works are quite intricate with regards to the top coping board that sits on the cladding, however we have an experienced and skilled crew of carpenters carrying out the works who are doing a great job Sites are situated over multiple locations, including Mill Road/ Waring Bowen Court / Mill Yard & Double Locks which are all in all in Exeter.”