Update on maintenance funding for 2026/27

Each year we bid for funding to undertake annual routine maintenance activities to maintain the standard of service of flood risk management assets. As the funding need outweighs the current availability of funding from the Government, this is prioritised on a national basis to ensure funds are allocated to areas where works would provide the greatest flood risk benefit.

For the Mill Dam Dyke, we can now confirm funding has been allocated for the 2026/27 maintenance year. Maintenance will be undertaken by the Environment Agency directly and with the support of one of our framework contractors.

We have taken on board feedback received regarding our maintenance regime and have reviewed our maintenance plan for this coming year. I can confirm we will be carrying out 2 maintenance visits:

• The first visit is planned to take place in May and will consist of grass cutting along the crest, the dry side and wet side of the School Lane embankment
• The second visit is planned for September and in addition to grass cutting, any in channel vegetation removal will be carried out on the main river section of Mill Dam Dyke, this includes the section through the village

More information will be provided on the Engagement HQ page ahead of contractors starting on site.