Councillor Lucy Trimnell has called on Somerset Council to ensure flood prevention measures are in place ahead of the autumn and winter months, raising concerns about drainage maintenance and support for flood-prone communities.
Speaking at a recent Somerset Council Executive meeting, Councillor Trimnell highlighted Bruton's history of flooding and welcomed ongoing improvement works being carried out by the Environment Agency on the town's flood alleviation dam.
However, she warned that after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, heavy rainfall could quickly lead to surface water flooding if drains and gullies are not properly maintained.
Councillor Trimnell asked what work has been carried out to ensure drains and gullies across Somerset, particularly along the A359 through the heart of Bruton, are clear and able to cope with periods of intense rainfall.
She also questioned whether any of the additional £50 million government flood prevention funding being received by Somerset Council would be directed towards flood-prone areas such as Bruton and Wincanton.
Councillor Trimnell said that many flooding incidents can be prevented through practical measures such as clearing drains and maintaining culverts, helping to protect homes, businesses and local infrastructure.
In response, Councillor Richard Wilkins said Somerset Council operates an ongoing programme of gully maintenance, with gullies emptied annually, every two years or every four years depending on flood risk.
He confirmed that most gullies on the A359 through Bruton are emptied every year, while lower-risk sections are maintained on a four-year cycle.
Responding to the second part of the question, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said a significant proportion of the £50 million funding would be directed towards local communities through the council's My Community programme.
She explained that the initiative will work with town and parish councils to identify local flood risks and develop measures to reduce or eliminate them. However, she noted that resources would need to be prioritised towards communities facing the greatest risks and where the greatest benefits can be achieved.
