THOUSANDS of homes, hundreds of businesses and essential transport routes will become protected from flooding.

The Environment Agency is midway through the multi-million pound Adur Tidal Walls scheme which will reduce the risk of flooding in Shoreham.

As well as preserving existing buildings, a business case backed by the government shows the work will also protect key rail and road routes while unlocking other sites for future development.

Some £6 million funding has been drawn in through the Greater Brighton Economic Board via Coast To Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

During a visit to see some of the 7.2 km stretch where work is taking place, Greater Brighton leaders said they were delighted to see the progress.

Councillor Andy Smith, GBEB chairman and leader of Lewes District Council, said: “I’m extremely impressed at the work to make one of Greater Brighton’s key towns virtually flood-proof.

“This is a prime example of how taxpayers money spent wisely and strategically can have a massive impact on the wider community.

“As well as protecting the existing communities, this work has the potential to protect important transport corridors which tens of thousands of people rely on as well as making the area more attractive and viable for the development of much-needed housing and commercial premises.

“It is exactly the sort of project that everyone representing Greater Brighton - from politicians to business leaders to academics - wants to see happening as the wider benefit is enormous.”

Greater Brighton leaders were given an overview of the project from the team’s base on Shoreham Beach.

It was explained that all government-funded flood protection works now need some form of match funding from other sources - which is where the GBEB and the LEP grant came in.

More than 2,328 properties and 169 commercial premises will be protected.