THE final piece of the financial jigsaw is in place so that the £800,000 Shutterton flood management scheme in Dawlish can go ahead.

Defra has approved a £590,000 grant for the work, with landowners making up the shortfall over the coming years.

The scheme will prevent flooding in Hazelwood Park, where 200 people were affected by floods three years ago.

Teignbridge Council's executive committee agreed early last month to press ahead with the scheme – but the start was dependent on the grant.

Cllr John Clatworthy hailed the grant as 'good news' and said that work was expected to start after the summer season so that the residents of Hazelwood would have added protection.