FLOODING IN WEST SOMERSET: OVERVIEW OF LOCAL RISKS AND IDEAS FOR ACTION A discussion document by the West Somerset Flood Group June 2014 The West Somerset Flood Group WHO WE ARE We are a group of town and parish councils (and one flood group) actively working to reduce flood risk at local level. We have come together because we believe that the communities of West Somerset should have a voice in the current debate on managing future flood risk. We also see a benefit in providing a local forum for discussion and hope to include experts, local- authority officers and local landowners in our future activities. We are not experts on statutory duties, powers and funding, on the workings of local and national government or on climate change. We do, however, know a lot about the practicalities of working to protect our communities, we talk to both local people and experts, and we are aware of areas where current structures of responsibility and funding may not be working smoothly. We also have ideas for future action against flooding. We are directly helped in our work by the Environment Agency, Somerset County Council (Flood and Water Management team, Highways Department and Civil Contingencies Unit), West Somerset Council, Exmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust and are grateful for the support they give us. We also thank our County and District Councillors for listening to us and providing support and advice. Members: River Aller and Horner Water Community Flood Group, Dulverton TC, Minehead TC, Monksilver PC, Nettlecombe PC, Old Cleeve PC, Porlock PC, Stogursey PC, Williton PC For information please contact: Dr T Bridgeman, Rose Villa, Roadwater, Watchet, TA23 0QY, 01984 640996
[email protected] Front cover photograph: debris against Dulverton bridge over the River Barle (December 23 2012).