The Environment Agency has been given the green light to go ahead with its £4.6 million flood defence scheme at Boscastle, after planners approved the replacement Lower Bridge which is a key part of the project.

The decision comes after several months of work by the Environment Agency, the National Trust and their consultants to fine tune the design of the new design of the new bridge.

"We have worked closely with the local community, the National Trust and its architectural panel and the Boscatle Bridge Working Group to ensure the new bridge design is sympathetic with its surroundings and links in with the area’s industrial past," explained Gordon Trapmore for the Environment Agency.

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"Today’s decision is good news as the replacement bridge is an essential element of the scheme. We can now ensure that the local residents, homes and businesses in the harbour area will benefit from the flood defences as well as those further up the valley."

The existing Lower Bridge was damaged in the flood of August 2004 and planning permission has already been granted for its demolition and replacement.

Work to prepare the foundations for the new bridge will now start in October.

(JM/SP)