Residents of the small Somerset village of Exford have raised urgent concerns over a “gravel shoal” accumulating in the River Exe, which they fear could lead to flooding threatening homes and the village’s historic pub. The Exmoor White Horse Inn, dating back to the 16th century, sits alongside the river in the heart of Exmoor National Park and is central to the village’s identity.
Jeremy Hickman, formerly of Exford Parish Council, has appealed to the Environment Agency (EA) to address the issue through river maintenance efforts. He suggested that funding might be available from a £50 million pot allocated by Defra in response to the severe flooding Somerset experienced in January. However, the EA has indicated that such work would not qualify for this funding because the River Exe’s outflow lies outside Somerset, to the east in Devon.
Speaking at the Somerset Rivers Authority board meeting in Taunton on 11 September, Mr Hickman explained: “We are up in the far west of Somerset, but the funding discussions have focused on areas east of the Brendon Hills. We have a significant problem at Exford Bridge where a gravel shoal has built up and continues to risk flooding.”
READ MORE: ‘Sensational homecoming’ - Bath Rugby player ratings from Glasgow Warriors victory
READ MORE: New Greenway to Connect Somerset Villagers and Cyclists with Heritage Railway
He noted that while Somerset Council regularly clears vegetation from the river – spending around £5,000 this year – the gravel shoal remains. Over the past decade, the shoal has hardly moved, with vegetation such as alder and withy trees rooting and forming a solid mass.
“There are 45 residents in the lower village who are worried about being flooded,” he said. “The EA has refused requests to directly enter the river for clearance work, insisting it must be done from the banks.”
Exford Bridge carries the B3224 Chapel Street road across the river, connecting the village and serving as a key route for surrounding communities near Dunkery Beacon. Somerset Council’s bridges team supports removing the gravel shoal, but direct access is difficult without encroaching on the pub’s garden.
Mr Hickman added: “I’m asking for help before flooding forces me out at 2am. No one wants to live in a hotel for nine months like some have during recent floods.”
He described the community’s proactive approach in managing river issues, often clearing fallen branches and other debris independently, sometimes through the night. “We’ve effectively been doing the EA’s job for them, but when emergencies occur, contact routes lead to call centres and it’s often too late.”
He emphasised the cost-effectiveness of the project, noting the £50 million fund equates to about £18,000 per parish, and stated, “This removal won’t cost that much.”
Ian Withers, EA’s director for the Wessex area, expressed sympathy but explained the agency’s operational boundaries: “Our responsibilities align with river catchments. Since the River Exe flows into Devon, the issue falls outside Somerset’s funding jurisdiction.”
He assured Mr Hickman that he would seek further clarity to find a solution, while reaffirming: “Unless the work falls within Somerset, I cannot allocate the £50 million funding here. But I fully acknowledge your concerns and passion for protecting your village.”