Somerset’s crucial flood defences are set to receive significant enhancements this summer following the approval of nearly £1 million in funding. The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA), has been advancing key improvements along the River Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD). These waterways play a vital role in diverting water from the River Parrett and River Cary out to the Bristol Channel, helping to protect the surrounding Somerset Levels and Moors.
Over the past two years, extensive work has removed silt from riverbanks and bridges, boosting their capacity and enabling water to drain off the moors more efficiently. Since January, the SRA board has focused on completing three remaining tasks from the initial phase of this flood defence programme, aiming to finish all work by the end of 2024.
On June 6, the SRA board met in Bridgwater and approved a funding injection of £915,000 to complete essential bank raising work near Chedzoy and Westonzoyland. This phase will increase flood protection by enhancing over a mile (1.8 kilometers) of riverbanks and is expected to be completed before the summer ends.
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Two other ongoing projects within phase one involve upgrades to the Chedzoy tilting weir and the Back Ditch outfall, both situated between Bridgwater and the Polden Hills. Maintained by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and located on land owned by SRA vice-chairman Tony Bradford, these improvements received a £150,000 allocation. They are critical for reducing flood damage to agricultural land, thereby safeguarding local farmers’ livelihoods.
The SRA had pledged £250,000 in March to support these works, which began in late April. The work on Back Ditch has been completed, while enhancements to the Chedzoy tilting weir are currently progressing well. As part of this project, the footpath between Bradney Lane in Bawdrip and Ward Lane in Chedzoy—part of National Cycle Network route 3—has been temporarily closed since May 13. It is expected to reopen by the end of July.
The Environment Agency initially planned to start work on Chedzoy and Back Drain in September 2023, but delays pushed this to January 2024 and encountered access issues. Caroline Murray from the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium (SDBC) reported that the upcoming bank raising will meet EA standards but will be delivered by the Parrett IDB.
According to Murray, the existing bund and bank materials are suitable for reuse after some drying and compaction. The Parrett IDB is now set to award a contract and begin work this summer, confident the project will stay within budget.
SDBC chairman Iain Sturdy noted that the appointed contractor will mobilize over roughly two weeks, with the entire project spanning about 12 weeks. Parrett IDB vice-chair Rebecca Horsington expressed enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of finally completing this vital work for the community’s flood resilience.