£50 Million Flood Resilience Fund Announced for Somerset – An Opportunity for Our Communities

The Three Villages Flood Group (3VFG) has welcomed the announcement of £50 million of Government funding to improve flood resilience across Somerset.

The funding represents one of the largest investments in flood resilience seen in the county for many years and presents an important opportunity for communities such as Mudford, Chilton Cantelo and Ashington.

Flooding is not just an issue for the Somerset Levels. Rural communities across the county experience their own challenges, from flooded roads and properties to communities becoming isolated during periods of severe weather.

Residents in our villages know only too well the disruption flooding can cause. Roads become impassable, access for emergency services can be affected and homes and businesses can face significant risks.

At the same time, concerns continue to grow about how future pressures may affect flood resilience. Climate change is bringing more frequent and intense rainfall events, while significant development proposed within the wider catchment has led many residents to ask whether existing infrastructure will be able to cope with future demands.

As part of our work, 3VFG has been gathering local knowledge, photographs and evidence relating to flooding and drainage issues across the area.

For that reason, 3VFG will be writing to Somerset Rivers Authority to request that Mudford, Chilton Cantelo and Ashington are included in discussions as priorities and projects are identified for funding.

We are also beginning work on a comprehensive community evidence bundle and invite residents to contribute photographs, records of flooding incidents and local observations.

This funding represents a genuine opportunity to improve flood resilience for current and future generations. By working together and presenting strong local evidence, we can help ensure that the needs of our communities are properly understood and considered.

How You Can Help

Please share photographs on our facebook page here, of flooding, flooded roads, properties affected by flooding, historic flood events, drainage issues, observations of watercourses and accounts of communities becoming isolated during severe weather.