Exmouth's £12m tidal defence scheme is now complete, the Environment Agency has announced.

The flood risk to the town has reportedly been reduced from 4 per cent to 0.5 per cent as a result.

At the seafront, the new and improved tidal defences include new walls and an extra 26 new flood gates to accompany the two already in place at Mamhead Slipway.

Flood gates that cross the road will be operated by East Devon District Council and the other gates by volunteers.

Part of the Esplanade between The Grove pub and just beyond the clock tower will be allowed to flood in "extreme conditions". The new walls and flood gates will reportedly prevent this water from flowing into the town and instead "new drainage infrastructure" will return it to the sea once the storm has passed.

New flood defence walls along Morton Crescent (Environment Agency)

Flood embankments and walls have also been raised between the outfall of the Withycombe Brook and Imperial Recreation Ground and between the Imperial Recreation Ground and Camperdown Terrace.  

Floods Minister Trudy Harrison said: "Exmouth's new flood defences and further schemes across the country will be more important than ever to build a more resilient nation against greater weather extremes. 

"This is why we are pressing ahead with our record £5.2 billion investment in flood and coastal defences across England. 

"I hope Exmouth's added protection will bring much needed peace of mind to homeowners and give businesses the confidence to invest and grow." 

The Environment Agency added that further improvements "should not be needed before 2045 based on current predictions".