After three years on the Board of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), Cllr Mike Stanton is delighted to have succeeded David Hall as its Chair. He said “I’m grateful to him for his leadership over the years, and to Tony Bradford of the Parrett Internal Drainage Board for continuing as Vice-Chair: his knowledge and advice are invaluable. “
“Flooding in Somerset is a constant threat. The terrible 2013-14 floods drove the creation of the SRA. 2021’s run-off flood damage in Chard and other places reminds us that the climate can strike harm at any moment. There is still have much work to do.”
In 2021-22, the SRA spent £2.8 million on extra flood protection and resilience work. Across the county, from Dulverton to Frome, hundreds of places have benefited from the SRA’s investment in activities designed to protect people, properties, businesses and roads, while enhancing local environments.
Attached are two versions of their just-published SRA Annual Report 2021-22. The report describes and illustrates a wide range of projects, from major works, such as the now-confirmed Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, down to very local actions in individual fields, hedges, ponds, rhynes, ditches, drains and culverts. The full version includes some 80 photographs, charts and illustrations. The shorter version is a quicker read – informative and visual: https://www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Somerset-Rivers-Authority-Annual-Report-2021-22-summary-version.pdf
Alternatively, you can access the entire text, split up into accessible sections, on the SRA’s website at Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2021-22 – Somerset Rivers Authority
The annual report features Somerset’s 20 Year Flood Action Plan, which was produced during the floods of 2013-14 and is overseen by the SRA. The SRA and its partners have begun to review that Plan, because most of the actions it recommended have been achieved since 2014, and a lot has changed. £13 million of Growth Deal funding that was allocated by the government in 2014 for Flood Action Plan projects has all been spent, and next year Somerset is getting a new single Somerset Council. Now is a good time to review, revitalise and relaunch the Plan. The SRA will be asking you for your views about it this autumn.