The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has urged the Environment Agency (EA) to resume full maintenance of Somerset’s rivers after the agency announced significant cutbacks due to funding shortfalls. The EA revealed in mid-August that it would cease maintaining a substantial portion of the county’s rivers and waterways, having received only 60% of the funding requested from the Treasury.
This announcement sparked an emergency meeting on August 18, convened by the South West Association of Drainage Authorities (SWADA) and attended by local councillors, drainage boards, and representatives from Somerset Council, the EA, the SRA, and MP Tessa Munt. All parties agreed on the urgent need for the EA to reverse its withdrawal decisions to avoid catastrophic flooding consequences and are escalating this resolution to national EA leaders and Defra.
Mike Stanton, chairman of the SRA—who represents flood-affected areas such as Muchelney and Thorney—expressed deep concern over heightened flood risks: “While opinions differ on how we arrived at this situation, everyone agrees on the importance of ongoing river maintenance and wants to sustain it for Somerset’s safety.”
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At the SRA’s next board meeting on September 12, Stanton plans to push this issue further, advocating for national attention on funding gaps alongside local, practical solutions. “Somerset has already contributed funding to help with maintenance,” he said, “but a collaborative and sustainable approach is essential.”
MP Sir Ashley Fox criticized the EA’s decision as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the direct risk to communities, farmland, and environmental sites. He has urged Defra for clarity on future maintenance responsibilities and funding, calling for the EA to reinstate maintenance immediately until a long-term solution is found.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke also opposed the EA’s move, highlighting the lack of consultation with Somerset drainage boards. She warned of increased risks if maintenance responsibilities shift to individual landowners, many of whom may lack the resources to manage them effectively. “Continuing maintenance is vital to protect homes and businesses,” she stressed, recalling the severe floods across south Somerset last winter that displaced many residents.
The collective concern reflects the urgent need to safeguard Somerset’s flood defenses and maintain the resilience of its communities amidst financial constraints.