Somerset Rivers Authority Warns Flood Risk Could Rise as Smaller Rivers Lose Maintenance
Chair Mike Stanton calls for urgent government funding to protect communities
Speaking about the impact of the cuts, Stanton said, “What causes flooding, or at least makes flooding worse, is when rivers get blocked up with foliage, with trees growing in them, with not being dredged. The Environment Agency has recently told landowners in Somerset that they won’t be maintaining some watercourses anymore. Some may not be able to afford this, and blocked streams can flood homes and roads very quickly.”
He recalled a recent example in South Petherton, saying, “On the 26th of January this year, the North Mill Brook, usually just a trickle, turned into a raging torrent and flooded over 30 houses and surrounding roads. If waterways aren’t kept clear, events like this will only become more frequent.”
Stanton highlighted the pressure on local communities, adding, “The EA’s funding has been cut by 40 percent, which we understand, but now riparian owners will have to shoulder the cost themselves. If just one landowner fails to maintain their stretch, it can cause a blockage that impacts everyone downstream.”
He stressed the need for government intervention, explaining, “I’m about to sign a letter to Emma Hardy, MP, to draw attention to the serious consequences of reduced EA funding. A meeting is planned with local MPs, drainage boards, and the Rivers Authority to discuss how we can ensure Somerset is properly protected.”
Communities have become more prepared over the last decade, Stanton said, thanks to schemes supporting flood resilience, property protection, and emergency planning, but he warned that “no matter how prepared communities are, blocked watercourses combined with intense rainfall will still lead to flooding.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson responded, saying, “We have made the decision to reduce discretionary vegetation cutting on some specific sections of watercourses because the work we have been doing has been identified as having a relatively low flood risk benefit compared to areas with more properties. The Environment Agency has to prioritise what works can be delivered to minimise flood risk with the funding available. We will continue to manage the risk of flooding and maintain our assets, flood alleviation schemes and monitoring water courses to provide flood warning services.”
The spokesperson also reminded the public, “Riparian owners have legal responsibility for maintaining their sections of the watercourse and can legally carry out this work following proper guidance and environmental protections. We are inviting customers to comment within the six-month consultation period.”