A critical flood relief channel in Somerset, the Huntspill River, may undergo significant improvements to boost its capacity to manage floodwaters across the Levels and Moors. Constructed in 1940 to supply water to the Royal Ordnance Factory east of Bridgwater—now the location of a new gigafactory within the Gravity Enterprise Zone—the Huntspill River has remained a vital part of Somerset’s flood defenses.
The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has indicated plans to de-silt the channel in coming years, a move expected to increase downstream water storage capacity during heavy rainfall. By clearing accumulated silt, the river would facilitate greater gravity-driven water flow, limiting reliance on pumping stations such as the one at Gold Corner.
The Huntspill River receives water from two key feeders within the River Brue catchment: the South Drain, flowing through the Avalon Marshes west of Glastonbury, and the Cripps River, which drains areas south of the main river channel near East Huntspill. The combined waters travel northward, passing north of the Gravity site, beneath the M5 near junction 23, under the A38 near West Huntspill, and ultimately discharge into the River Parrett before reaching the Bristol Channel.
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A River Brue steering group, established by the SRA, has evaluated several flood prevention proposals aimed at safeguarding local residents, businesses, farmland, and crucial transport links. Suggestions ranged from substantive projects—such as lowering the Huntspill River and enlarging the Highbridge Clyse barrier to block tidal inflows—to smaller-scale measures like raising vulnerable riverbank sections.
Comprehensive catchment modeling identified three priority actions that promise the greatest flood risk reduction, notably the lowering of retained water levels ahead of flood events to maximize the Huntspill River’s capacity. While challenges exist, including addressing channel siltation and environmental considerations, these efforts would reduce pumping demands at Gold Corner and increase the river’s gravity-fed discharge potential.
The estimated cost to improve the Huntspill River stands at approximately £1 million, in addition to £290,000 allocated for bank reinforcements elsewhere within the Brue catchment. Mike Stanton, chairman of the SRA, emphasized the importance of securing funding from the Environment Agency and drainage boards, potentially supplemented by the SRA itself.
Tony Bradford, vice-chairman of the SRA, expressed hope for visible progress after a decade of limited action on the River Brue. “People affected want to see real change on the ground,” Bradford noted, praising significant progress made on other rivers like the Parrett.
Iain Sturdy, CEO of the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium, acknowledged the time taken but affirmed that current positive steps are based on clear evidence from modeling, which shows substantial benefits in flood risk reduction if improvements proceed. He highlighted the need to explore alternative funding mechanisms if traditional sources fall short.
The SRA will provide a further update on the project at its next board meeting scheduled for September 11.