Final Government backing still not secure for Somerset tidal barrier
Work will continue on the site
A major flood prevention scheme in Somerset still hasn’t secured final backing from the government – though work on site will continue.
The Environment Agency (EA) and Somerset Council have been working to deliver a tidal barrier across the River Parrett between the Express Park in Bridgwater and the neighbouring village of Chilton Trinity – a barrier which will provide protection to more than 11,300 homes and more than 1,500 businesses.
The barrier is in the early stages of construction, with the EA revealing in January that the projected cost had risen to £220m in light of high inflation and supply chain issues within the construction industry.
But the final business case for the barrier has not yet been approved by the Treasury – with one Somerset parliamentary candidate calling for the government to end its “worrying silence” and provide the necessary funding.
The tidal barrier was one of the major projects identified within the Somerset 20-year flood action plan, which was created in early-2014 in response to the catastrophic floods which hit the Somerset Levels and Moors in the winter of 2013/14.
The barrier will be constructed across the River Parrett between the Express Park and the neighbouring village of Chilton Trinity – with a footbridge running over the top to enable pedestrian and cycling access to both sides of the river.
The barrier will have two ‘vertical lift’ gates which can be closed to prevent water from flowing upstream during very high tides – something which would put Bridgwater and the neighbouring villages at great risk.
New flood defences will also be created downstream of the barrier to prevent flooding and protect numerous species, including eels and fish.
Claire Sully, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the new Bridgwater constituency, said she was concerned about the project meeting the same fate as the High Speed 2 rail project.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak cancelled the Birmingham to Manchester section of the rail link in October 2023, with some of the funding being reallocated to fix Somerset’s potholes and deliver the new railway station in Wellington.
Ms Sully – whose Mendip South division includes numerous flood-prone villages within the River Brue catchment – said: “This is a low-lying area and it is not a question of if floods come, but when they come.
“It is absolutely vital that the barrier scheme goes ahead and delays ticking the bureaucratic boxes shouldn’t stop it pressing ahead as soon as possible.
“We need certainty, and the government can give us that by approving the full business case and allocating cash for the project to continue and be finished.
“The EA expects the barrier to be completed by 2027, so why is there worrying silence from the government?”
The EA said it would continue discussions with the Treasury to ensure the final business case could be approved by the early-autumn, allowing the barrier to be operational by early-2027 as intended.
A spokesman said: “The Bridgwater tidal barrier is a major infrastructure project that will better protect 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses in the town and surrounding areas.
“We are continuing with our discussions with Defra and the Treasury, and we remain confident that the barrier will secure the necessary funding with the aim to have an operational barrier in early 2027.”
Of the £220m budget for the barrier, the EA said it intends to spend £150m on the entire construction, with the remaining £70m being allocated for “risk and contingencies” (such as further inflationary spikes).