Huge new beacons will be put in place in Southend to raise the alarm if there is a risk of flooding. The beacons - which will shine a light to warn people if there is a flood risk - come as part of a national project to improve flood defences. The council is one of 25 areas set to benefit from a share of £150million - funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - to improve flood defences and coastal resilience in the area. Bosses have welcomed the grant which will see Southend and Thurrock council collaborate on the Catchment to Coast Project where beacons will be placed inland.