The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has urged the Environment Agency (EA) to restore full maintenance across Somerset’s rivers following alarming reports of significant planned cutbacks. The EA revealed in mid-August that, due to receiving only 60% of the requested Treasury funding, it will cease maintenance on a substantial portion of the region’s rivers and waterways.
This announcement triggered an emergency meeting of the South West Association of Drainage Authorities (SWADA) on August 18, with local councillors, drainage board representatives, and key stakeholders in attendance. Among them were members from Somerset Council, the three internal drainage boards, the EA, the SRA, and Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt.
All parties agreed on a unanimous resolution: the EA must reverse its decision to halt main river maintenance in Somerset and reinstate full upkeep. This resolution is now being escalated to national EA leadership and Defra for urgent consideration.
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SRA chairman Mike Stanton, representing much of the flood-prone areas devastated during the 2012 and 2013/14 flood events—including Muchelney and Thorney near Langport—expressed deep concern. “I’m deeply concerned about the increased flood risks that will result from the withdrawal of maintenance,” Stanton said. “Everyone recognizes the importance of this work and wants to preserve it for the safety and benefit of Somerset.”
Stanton announced the issue would be discussed further at the upcoming SRA board meeting in Taunton on September 12. While acknowledging national funding challenges, he emphasized the need for practical local solutions. “We agreed earlier this year to fund some river maintenance done by the EA, demonstrating our commitment. However, Somerset cannot shoulder this burden alone—we all need to press for fair, long-term funding and solutions.”
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox condemned the EA’s decision, calling it “unacceptable.” He stressed that cutting back maintenance increases flood risks, threatens rural communities and farmland, and undermines environmental resilience. Fox has written to the government demanding clarity on funding and responsibilities, urging them to rescind the decision and reinstate maintenance to protect Somerset’s communities—especially those still recovering from the catastrophic 2013/14 floods.
Similarly, Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke voiced opposition to the EA’s planned cuts, highlighting a lack of consultation with Somerset’s drainage boards. In a letter to Water and Flooding Minister Emma Hardy, Dyke warned that halting maintenance in six months would place vulnerable properties and businesses at greater risk. She emphasized that transferring responsibility to riparian owners could backfire if they cannot adequately manage the waterways, further endangering local residents who recently faced severe flood damage.
The consensus among local authorities, MPs, and drainage boards is clear: continued, adequately funded maintenance of Somerset’s rivers is essential to protect homes, farmland, and infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding. Immediate action is crucial to avoid repeating the devastating impacts of past flood events.