The latest bid to protect the substantial Wiltshire town of Bradford on Avon from flooding has had to be abandoned on grounds of cost.

As a clue to a watery place, the corruption of 'Broad Ford' gives the town its name and Bradford on Avon certainly has a long history of flooding from the River Avon that flows through its centre.

In October 2000 serious flooding caused widespread disruption in the town. Bristol and Avon Flood Defence Committee responded by asking the Environment Agency to find a viable flood defence solution for the town. The large number of properties along the town’s riverside complicated the task.

Various options had been considered over the years including the construction of riverside flood defence walls, but they were rejected as visually unacceptable. Removable flood defences were also investigated, but considered too costly and risky to operate.

The latest proposals were for a lower standard scheme that could be constructed with minimum impact on the town. But further investigation by the Environment Agency showed such a scheme would fail to meet DEFRA’s criteria for grant aid funding and could not therefore be economically justified.

Bristol Avon Local Flood Defence Committee has therefore decided, reluctantly, to drop the scheme. The Environment Agency will continue to work with the people of Bradford on Avon to reduce flood risk by promoting flood warden schemes and providing self help advice to local residents and businesses.

The flood defence committee said it recognised the problems caused by the closure of the main road at times and flooding and said it would do its best to assist organisations experiencing difficulties by gaining the support and co-operation of other agencies.

Richard Symonds for the Environment Agency commented: "We are naturally very disappointed that we have not been able to find an acceptable major scheme for Bradford-on-Avon but will continue to work with the community to find measures to reduce flood risk.”

“The Committee stressed the need for the emergency services and local authorities that depend on Town Bridge to develop contingency plans for when it’s impassable due to flooding. We have written to those affected seeking that assurance."