A ROUND of consultation for a new flood defence scheme for Teignmouth starts on Monday.
Teignmouth town council has invited a number of businesses and organisations, including residents, users of the back beach, leisure and commercial enterprises, to have their say before ideas are put to the Environment Agency.
The move comes after the flood defence scheme was halted in the face of opposition in 2004.
The Environment Agency has agreed to look again at a scheme if there is support from the community.
In round one of the consultation, a series of meetings is being held from Monday to Friday.
Chairman of the flood defence working party Cllr Susan Dawe said: 'We have identified groups and organisations that are most likely to be directly affected by any proposed scheme as well as those with broader or indirect interests.
'We welcome exploration and consideration of all possible options and feedback from these meetings will be used by the Environment Agency to influence the possible position and design features to be incorporated into proposals.'
A public exhibition is planned for April 12 and 13 at the Teignmouth Regeneration Project visitor centre, Northumberland Place.
If there is wide support for a flood defence scheme, the Environment Agency will provide a detailed flood defence proposal for the final stage of consultation.
Meetings being held are: residents and leisure businesses, Monday, 7pm, The Ice House, off Northumberland Place, Teignmouth. Teign Fishermen and Watermen's Association, Tuesday, 7pm. The Information Centre, Teignmouth Regeneration Project, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth. Commercial users of the Back Beach, March 26, 7pm. Information Centre, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth.
Leisure users of the beach, Thursday, 7pm. Information Centre, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth. Other relevant bodies, Tuesday, 10am, Information Centre, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth. Organisations with ownership or leasehold interests, Thursday, 2.30pm, Information Centre Northumberland Place, Teignmouth.
Visit the website floodconsultation @teignmouth-devon.gov.uk for more information.