THE leader of Devon County Council has issued an urgent request to Government for financial support to help communities hit by Storms Ingrid and Chandra.

Councillor Julian Brazil made the call following significant disruption and damage causing major road closures, and flooding to properties.

Storm Ingrid severely damaged the sea wall between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren.

It also caused extensive damage to homes in Torcross, and undermined parts of the A379 Slapton coast road.

Councillor Brazil said the escalating severity and frequency of storms highlight the urgent need for substantial national investment to protect residents, businesses and transport links.

‘We are experiencing more frequent and more severe storms’, said Councillor Brazil.

‘This is having a significant impact on people’s lives.

‘Our communities rely on resilient transport infrastructure to stay safe and to access work, education and essential services.

‘Yet once again this week, the consequences of decades of under‑investment by central government in Devon is being felt across our county’, Councillor Brazil added.

Councillor Brazil praised the efforts of County Council officers and emergency crews, who have been working relentlessly to keep roads open and support affected residents.

However, he warned that local authorities can no longer continue to manage the scale of damage caused by increasingly extreme weather without meaningful Government intervention.

‘Our teams have done an extraordinary job’, Councillor Brazil said.

‘But there is only so much we can do when Government funding continues to decline in real terms.

‘The aftermath of this weekend’s storm and now Storm Chandra makes it clear that we urgently need national support to repair the damage, strengthen our defences and build long‑term resilience’, Councillor Brazil added.

Councillor Brazil confirmed he will be contacting Ministers and inviting Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds to visit to see first-hand the most affected communities.