Recent Environment Agency statistics show about 200 properties in England are vulnerable to coastal erosion, with 2, 000 predicted to become vulnerable over the next 20 years.

BBC: Norfolk

The Environment Agency said a "handful of properties" had been affected.

BBC: Water seeping through Norton flood defence wall

The reports said the proposal "would not give rise to any undue impacts with regard to pollution, the water environment, the amenity of nearby residential properties and businesses".

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Paul Mustow, head of flood management at the Environment Agency, told BBC News that 4, 500 properties had been flooded this year.

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It said people should be ready to protect their own properties and added that neither the council nor the Environment Agency had a statutory duty to provide sandbags.

BBC: Flood clean-up bill more than ?3m Cornwall Council warns

Environment Agency Wales (EAW) said the money means over 1, 000 more properties can be protected in Corwen, Denbighshire, among other communities.

BBC: Wales

The Secretary of State for Environment has pledged practical help for flood-hit Cornwall residents to better protect their properties in the future.

BBC: Environment Secretary visits flood-hit Cornwall

The Environment Agency will also be working on homes and businesses on Greta Side to fit properties with resistance measures such as waterproofing and non-return valves.

BBC: Keswick flood defence work to start

Despite their beneficial properties, many people believe that buying an artificial tree is better for the environment, which Dungey says is all due to clever marketing.

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The decision to rent out up to nine residential properties formerly used by resident lock and weir keepers along the Thames was taken by the Environment Agency on Friday.

BBC: Flood fears over lock keeper cottage rent plan