Residents of a small Somerset village called Mudford are demanding immediate action to protect their homes from the looming threat of “extreme flooding”. The concerns were raised following the approval of two major housing developments on the north-eastern edge of Yeovil, which are expected to exacerbate the risk of flooding in the area. With nearly 1,000 new homes planned in close proximity, the residents fear that their village is under significant peril.
To address these concerns, the Three Villages Flood Group has been established by uniting residents of Mudford with those from the neighboring villages of Ashington and Chilton Cantelo. The primary focus of this group is to lobby for substantial improvements in the local area to mitigate the risk of flooding, and to ensure that future housing projects are located in more appropriate areas.
The group aims to raise awareness of the imminent dangers and to disrupt any misconceptions about the severity of the situation. The recent instance of the churchyard flooding, surfacing bones that were over a century old, highlighted the urgency of the issue. The involvement of the local Member of Parliament, Sarah Dyke, further emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Ms. Dyke not only met with the group but also raised the issue in a Westminster Hall debate, urging for the involvement of water companies in the planning system to prevent future flooding and sewage spills.
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The group is also concerned about the inadequate infrastructure, including a silted-up bridge and an inefficient sewage system, which could worsen the impact of flooding. The proposed housing developments on impermeable clay soil further intensify the risk, as the existing attenuation ponds may prove insufficient to handle heavy rainfall.
In an effort to proactively tackle the situation, the group is engaging with water management authorities and exploring various options such as dredging the silted bridge, constructing new attenuation ponds, and creating wetlands to slow the flow of water. The involvement of the Somerset Rivers Authority and seeking external funding for nature reserve projects are also being considered to address the underlying issues contributing to the flooding risks.
The impending launch meeting of the Three Villages Flood Group will serve as a platform to address these concerns in a structured manner. Representatives from relevant organizations, including the Environment Agency and the Somerset Wildlife Trust, are expected to participate in the meeting to discuss solutions and preventive measures.
The establishment of this action group and the forthcoming meeting represent a proactive approach toward addressing the urgent need for flood prevention measures in the area. It signifies the collective efforts of the residents to safeguard their village from the potential devastation posed by extreme flooding.