Somerset’s vital Huntspill River flood relief channel, which plays a crucial role in protecting the Levels and Moors from flooding, is slated for potential improvements aimed at increasing its capacity to manage floodwaters.
Originally built in 1940 to supply water to the Royal Ordnance Factory near Bridgwater—now home to a cutting-edge ‘gigafactory’ within the Gravity enterprise zone—the Huntspill River remains a key component of the region’s flood defenses. It channels water from the River Brue catchment directly to the Bristol Channel, helping mitigate flood risk.
The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has announced plans to possibly de-silt the Huntspill River in the near future, enabling it to hold and discharge more water downstream during heavy rainfall events. This intervention promises significant benefits by reducing reliance on pumping stations and enhancing natural water flow via gravity.
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The river collects water from two main tributaries of the Brue catchment: the South Drain, which flows west of Glastonbury through the Avalon Marshes, and the Cripps River, situated south of the main river channel around East Huntspill. These waters pass through the Gold Corner pumping station, proceed north of the Gravity site, then flow beneath major routes like the M5 and A38, before entering the River Parrett and ultimately reaching the Bristol Channel.
Following thorough analysis by the River Brue steering group, convened by the SRA to prioritize flood prevention projects, multiple strategies were evaluated. These spanned from large-scale efforts—such as lowering the Huntspill River’s water levels and enlarging the Highbridge Clyse tidal barrier—to targeted measures like reinforcing existing riverbanks.
The group pinpointed three key actions promising the greatest flood defense improvements, with particular emphasis on lowering retained water in the Huntspill River before floods. Addressing sediment buildup and environmental challenges within the channel will be necessary, but achieving a lower water level will enhance gravity-fed flow, lessen pumping loads at Gold Corner, and substantially increase discharge capacity.
Financially, the SRA estimates the Huntspill River enhancements will cost around £1 million, alongside £290,000 allocated for strengthening riverbanks throughout the Brue catchment area. SRA chairman Mike Stanton called on the Environment Agency and drainage boards to secure funding to move forward, potentially supported by grants from the SRA itself.
Vice-chairman Tony Bradford expressed optimism for tangible progress, highlighting longstanding community demand for effective flood control measures in the Brue catchment: “After a decade of delays, residents and stakeholders deserve visible action on the ground, comparable to the recent improvements on the River Parrett.”
Meanwhile, Iain Sturdy, CEO of the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium, acknowledged frustrations over the timeline but emphasized the positive impact predicted by flood modeling. He stressed the necessity to explore alternative funding mechanisms if traditional sources fall short.
An updated report on the upgrades and funding status will be presented at the SRA board meeting scheduled for September 11.