NEW flood defences protecting 176 homes and five community buildings are to be built thanks to funding from the Welsh Government.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has been given £1.5 million for the defences in Dinas Powys.

Many were engulfed in water when the River Cadoxton burst its banks three years ago.

Measures that can make a property more resilient to flooding include installing flood doors or barriers, airbrick covers, non-return valves, and external waterproofing and puddle pumps.

Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, said: “Flooding causes serious trauma for those whose properties are affected.

“Damage can be expensive to repair, while there is also the emotional cost of seeing your home submerged in water.

“The properties identified for this programme of work are ones at a high risk of being flooded.

“The measures introduced will not only help protect these buildings from flooding, but also reduce the impact on those living locally by protecting community assets.”