The Government’s decision not to go ahead with a £50m flood prevention scheme has been described as ‘disappointing’ by council leaders.

The Environment Agency said it had not received enough competent tenders for the scheme to provide value for money.

But the Local Government Association (LGA) said the money should be devolved to local areas which could help target it to where it is most needed.

Businesses say they have spent tens of thousands of pounds preparing bids for flood defences including flood doors, non-return valves and waterproof floors.

In an email from the Environment Agency they were told it had decided to discontinue the procurement of a new property flood resilience framework that was started earlier this year.

‘We have written directly to the suppliers who have submitted bids to advise them of this decision and the grounds for this decision.’

Linda Taylor, environment spokesperson for the LGA said: ‘It's disappointing to see flood prevention schemes not moving forward.

‘Everyone will want to see good flood prevention schemes coming forward, reducing the impacts and costs of future extreme weather events.

‘Devolving the money to local areas could help target the money to where it is most needed, and councils would be pleased to work with the Environment Agency to find the best use of this fund.

‘A local approach to flood prevention works best, as councils understand the area, the communities, they are a trusted voice and they know what approaches work and don’t work in their community.’