A BIG thumbs-up was given to North Tawton?s new flood prevention scheme this week ? despite the fact the cost of the work has now spiralled to more than £1-million.

West Devon?s environment committee heard the scheme had passed the test of very heavy rainfall over the New Year period with flying colours.

Tracy McMahon, borough civil engineer, said the scheme had been complicated by unforeseen problems, yet was still receiving accolades from within the industry.

Miss McMahon said: ?The project actually took two years, from feasibility study to completion, which is absolutely amazing when you think how long some engineering projects can take.

?No other authority came forward at that time to take on the need and since then, I?ve had contacts from the Environment Agency who want to learn from our experience.

?North Tawton has a robust flood scheme now ? we?ve had to spend more money than anticipated, but the construction also had the added benefit of removing the physical reminders of past flooding events and tidying the area up.?

She said during construction, a number of unmapped drains and foul sewers were identified with some culverts in far worse condition than originally estimated. A large quantity of peat had to be excavated in one area and expensive French drains, similar to those employed at the Eden Project, were constructed to provide added stability to the storage lagoon.

Miss McMahon said the project was originally estimated to carry a £877,178 price tag ? following a review in November after additional works had been identified, the cost had risen to £1,095,000.

?DEFRA were consulted and we have subsequently received confirmation that they have approved this increase to the approved cost,? Miss McMahon told the committee.

She said South West Water has now agreed to contribute £20,000 towards the project, because the flood protection scheme would provide additional protection to its foul water pumping station.

This contribution will not affect the grant from DEFRA, which has funded 55% of the work.

Cllr John Hockridge, chairman of the environment committee, said: ?This is very encouraging news, especially for the people of North Tawton. They must be delighted at the work carried out.?

Cllr Caroline Keane paid tribute to the council?s officers and borough ward member for North Tawton, Cllr Nick Morgan, who has consistently lobbied for effective flood prevention for the town.

Cllr Keane said: ?One of my first memories of being a councillor was an impassioned plea by Cllr Morgan, when tears were literally running down his face ? this scheme is the one thing we can truly be proud of.?

Cllr Ted Sherrell said the borough should take credit for the fact it took on the responsibility of trying to help North Tawton residents in their fight against flooding and said other agencies should take note of this.

But Cllr Peter Hill sounded a note of caution for the future. He said: ?It?s costing a million pounds ? money doesn?t grow on trees. Now we are moving to the more mundane task that awaits and that?s to ensure that the pipes don?t fall back into disrepair like the original ones.?

The committee was told that some areas of the scheme would now fall to the borough council for maintenance but talks were ongoing with North Tawton Town Council on the issue.

The official opening of North Tawton flood prevention scheme takes place at the rugby club on Wednesday February 12 at 10am, when the mayor of West Devon, Cllr Richard Phillips, will unveil an engraved commemorative stone.