River Parrett Dredging Proposal on the Table

A public consultation is underway about proposals to dredge the River Parrett between Stathe and Burrowbridge and will continue until Saturday, 1 June.

The scheme is being led for Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board (IDB), working closely with the Environment Agency and Natural England.

The aim of the proposed works is to help the SRA reduce flood risks across a large part of the Somerset Levels and Moors that were badly affected in winter 2013-14 and summer 2012.

This dredge is particularly important because it would supplement other dredges of the Parrett and Tone since 2014. It would also tie in with other projects, such as enhancing the River Sowy (also known as the Parrett Flood Relief Channel) and King’s Sedgemoor Drain.

If it’s approved, set-up works could start on-site in August, with dredging expected to begin in September. Further necessary works such as monitoring and ecological improvements would continue into 2020.

David Mitchell, SRA Senior Manager, said: “Around 16 months’ hard work has gone into drawing up these plans for dredging between Stathe and Burrowbridge. We believe that the scheme we’re now proposing is a good scheme that will help us to protect people and properties, and enhance the environment. This will be the biggest new dredge that we’ve done on the Parrett since the summer of 2016.”

Two drop-in consultation events are being held, to give people chance to look at display boards and other materials, ask questions and fill in feedback forms:

• Tuesday, 14 May 2019 at Burrowbridge Coronation Hall, West Yeo Road, Burrowbridge, TA7 0RH between 12 noon and 7pm;
• Wednesday, 15 May 2019 at Great Bow Wharf, Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PN between 12 noon and 7pm.

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