Flood defences to protect 3,600 homes in Kent are among schemes being brought forward a year to boost the economy, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

Work is now likely to start in 2009 to improve coastal defences in Deal to protect against future sea level rises.

The scheme is one of several which will be brought forward from 2010-2011 if final approval is given in February.

Others include the construction of two new pumping stations and a replacement of a tidal sluice in east London.

The work there is planned to reduce the risk of river and tidal flooding of homes, businesses and infrastructure in the Thames Estuary.

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