Maldon MP John Whittingdale has praised the news that the Government will invest over £300,000 on strengthening sea walls in the Maldon district over the next year.

The funding aims to better protect homes and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion in the district.

Mr Whittingdale, who is also the media minister, said: "It is great news that the Government is investing over £5 billion on flood and coastal defences over the next six years and that £380,000 is to be spent on strengthening sea walls in the Maldon District."

The Government's Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan sets out a record £5.2 billion to be invested in flood and coastal defences over the next six years to better protect 336,000 properties.

The announcement comes after torrential rain hit southern England earlier this week, causing severe flooding and disruption in some areas.

Maldon is among 1,000 schemes across England which will receive investment in the first year of the programme - as part of the Government's aim to better manage and adapt to the risks of flooding and coastal erosion as climate change brings about more extreme weather.

Mr Whittingdale said: "Maldon has a longer stretch of coastline than almost any other district in England.

"Flooding from the sea is an ever present danger and many will still remember the great flood of 1953 in which 120 people in Essex died."

The Government has also set out its plans to improve access to insurance, including a commitment to alter its Flood Re scheme so that households who have installed property flood resilience measures - such as flood doors and air brick covers - will receive discounted insurance premiums.

It plans to publish a roadmap by the end of 2022 to further accelerate take-up of property flood resilience measures.