Somerset is set to receive a significant boost in flood prevention efforts with up to £350,000 allocated for gully clearing over the next year. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of key roads being cut off by flooding, enhancing safety and accessibility for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Since its formation in 2015, the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has been proactively funding a broad range of flood prevention projects that complement the work carried out by Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, and the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium.
At its recent meeting in Yeovil on March 20, the SRA board finalised an enhanced programme for the upcoming 12 months. This includes a £775,000 investment towards additional dredging of the River Parrett, £100,000 to protect the A358 at Donyatt near Ilminster, and notably, £350,000 dedicated to clearing gullies twice a year across Somerset’s extensive road network.
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Currently, Somerset Council’s highways department clears gullies once annually, but with this extra funding from the SRA, approximately 25,000 gullies will be emptied twice each year. This twice-yearly clearing aims to keep roads open in flood-prone areas, improve road safety, maintain essential access for communities, and protect properties from flooding.
This commitment aligns with Somerset’s 20-Year Flood Action Plan and the SRA’s Strategy for 2024-34, ensuring long-term benefits across the region.
Following the approval of the enhanced flood prevention programme, the SRA will collaborate closely with the council’s highways officers to prioritise the gullies most in need of maintenance.
In addition to gully clearing, the SRA has pledged £150,000 towards proactive drain jetting at around 125 locations to prevent blockages before they occur. Traditionally, drain jetting by the council has been reactive, responding only after blockages have formed. The new approach will remove silt and debris beforehand, improving drainage efficiency and reducing surface water flooding risks.
This comprehensive programme demonstrates a proactive and strategic approach to flood management, designed to protect Somerset’s infrastructure, communities, and environment from the risks and impacts of flooding.