THE Government is investing more than £300,000 to strengthen sea walls in Maldon.

Last July, the Government published a long-term policy statement for England which set out the ambition to create a nation more resilient to future flood and coastal erosion risks.

The Government has now revealed a record £5.2 billion is to be invested in flood and coastal defences over the next six years.

The investment plan for 2021 to 2027 was published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

It sets out what will be achieved from the investment, how the projects invested in will be developed, and how the investment will be managed and progress tracked.

Projects in the Maldon district are expected to receive a total of £380,000 in the first year of the programme.

These projects aim to strengthen sea walls.

Bradwell on Sea to St Peters sea walls are expected to receive £104,062, North Fambridge to Althorne sea walls are eligible for £58,000, and Osea Road to Salcotte Maltings sea walls are set to get £138,891.

The Maldon MP John Whittingdale has welcomed the investment.

He said: "Maldon has a longer stretch of Coastline than almost any other district in England.

"Flooding from the sea is an ever present danger and many will still remember the great flood of 1953 in which 120 people in Essex died.

"It is great news the Government is investing over £5 billion on flood and coastal defences over the next six years and £380,000 is to be spent on strengthening sea walls in the Maldon District."

The programme is refreshed every year by the Environment Agency working with councils and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee for regions, taking into consideration the area's priorities and any changes arising from development work on scheme proposals.