Somerset’s flood defences will see vital upgrades by year-end, enhancing safety.
Somerset: Important upgrades to flood defences are coming this year. The Somerset Rivers Authority is teaming up with the Environment Agency to improve the River Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain. These upgrades will help divert water from the River Parrett and River Cary into the Bristol Channel.
Over the past two years, they’ve been busy removing silt from riverbanks and bridges. This work increases capacity, allowing water to flow off the moors faster. The SRA board confirmed that three key improvements will be finished by the end of this year.
Two of these improvements focus on the Chedzoy tilting weir and the Back Ditch outfall. Both are located between Bridgwater and the Polden Hills. The Parrett Internal Drainage Board maintains these structures, which are on land owned by vice-chairman Tony Bradford.
About £150,000 is set aside for these upgrades. They aim to reduce flooding on agricultural land in the Somerset Levels and Moors, helping local farmers avoid income loss. The Environment Agency also plans to raise riverbanks near Chedzoy and Westonzoyland for added flood protection.
Initially, work was supposed to start in September 2023 but was delayed to mid-January. Unfortunately, they couldn’t access the sites, leading to some criticism. However, at a recent meeting, board members were reassured that progress has been made, and work should begin soon.
Caroline Murray and Iain Sturdy from the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium reported that work on the tilting weir and Back Drain will start in March. Raising the bank is expected to happen in the summer. They mentioned that construction drawings are ready, and necessary permissions have been obtained.
The tilting weir and Back Drain improvements will cost up to £250,000. The bank raising is expected to be around double that amount. The banks will be raised by about half a metre, ensuring they remain wide enough for maintenance access.
They are also discussing any archaeological assessments needed before starting. A project manager has been appointed to oversee the work, aiming for completion by July.
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