Somerset’s farms and rural communities are soon to be better protected from the “growing threat of flooding” under a new £50 million government package announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Defra outlined that this support package comes after the second wettest January on record in Somerset earlier this year, which later resulted in the county council declaring a major flood incident in February.
Following the aftermath of Storm Chandra in February, the Environment Agency (EA) and existing flood defences were able to protect 2,860 properties from flooding “despite the exceptional scale of the crisis”, according to Defra.
The department stated that it now hopes to bolster Somerset’s flood protection capabilities through further investment, with the allocated £50 million going towards measures such as improved water management infrastructure and enhanced flood defence schemes.
Defra also noted that it will be investing into nature-based solutions and better watercourse maintenance as part of the efforts to “reduce the burden on emergency responders and help communities withstand future incidents.”
Defra
Defra described Somerset as “one of England’s most important agricultural counties” and it recognised that repeated flooding threatens the viability of farming communities across the region.
By helping farms better withstand extreme weather, the department outlined that the investment is aimed at “protecting rural livelihoods and helping prevent the rising food costs that flooding can cause throughout the supply chain.”
Minister for Flooding at Defra, Emma Hardy said: “Somerset has faced the full force of extreme weather this year, which I saw when I visited earlier this year.
“The communities here deserve more than a temporary fix, which is why this government is investing.
“This £50 million funding in the protection of homes, farms and livelihoods in Somerset for years to come,” she added.
Somerset
The leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans welcomed the announcement and paid tribute to Minister Hardy.
Cllr Revans commented: “We are pleased the government has listened to our calls for urgent action and welcome this vital investment into the future of Somerset.
“This winter has shown how Somerset’s unique environment is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and it is clear we must help our communities to adapt and become more resilient.
“We will work closely with partners, including the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority, Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England and, most importantly, our local communities, to ensure these funds are invested wisely to provide lasting benefits for years to come.”