Seawalls are under threat but there are fears not enough is being done to keep them maintained.

Defences in Steeple, St Lawrence, Bradwell and Holliwell Point are under pressure.

The Environment Agency’s planned projects for the next financial year include removing redundant tidal floodgates in Burnham and a flood alleviation scheme at Heybridge, where more than 1,000 homes could be built.

But flood risk alleviation schemes in Maylandsea, North Fambridge and St Lawrence will not go ahead before 2019 because they are are either not ready to start, need to demonstrate better value for money to be eligible for government funding or need additional other funding.

Farmers, many of whom patch up seawalls themselves, said maintenance is vital to protect homes and land.

Full story in this week's Burnham Standard.