New and completed flood defence projects have been highlighted in the Somerset River Authority (SRA) annual report.

One such project was completed at lower Love Lynch near Milverton. The work was planned to reduce flooding and the amount of soil deposited on a corner of the B3187 between Wellington and Milverton.

In the past too much water from an unconfined natural spring was flowing down onto the road. Works consisted of four main elements which were;

1. Digging a ditch to contain and divert water into an existing culvert to take water into an existing drainage pipe.

2. Cutting grips to re-direct water onto grassland to slow its flow, allow for infiltration into the ground and for sediments to settle.

3. Extending an existing grassland area and installing a silt trap.

4. Installing raised banks to intercept and slow run-off, and stabilising those banks with hedge planting.

Flood defences for the river tone which runs alongside Wellington have also been improved.

The report sets out the ultimate goals of the river authority and serves as an overview on how local homes and businesses are being protected from serious flooding incidents.

With global warming we are witnessing that not only are there hotter summers but also colder and wetter winters. According to measurements by the met office, as the climate warms by 1 degree, the air can hold 7% more water, this creates heavier rain which could lead to flash flooding.

The main effects of our impact on the climate may not be seen fully until the 2040s but preparing our rivers and homes for a higher quantity of rain is seen as the sensible thing to do.

The Somerset Levels floods of 2014 cost the county £148 million, directly or indirectly everybody in Somerset was affected. Shortly after this disaster the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) was launched and set out 6 objectives to achieve within 20 years. they are;

1. Reduce the frequency, depth and duration of flooding.

2. Maintain access for communities and business.

3. Increase resilience to flooding for families, agriculture, businesses, communities, and wildlife.

4. Make the most of the special characteristics of Somerset (with internationally important biodiversity, environment and cultural heritage).

5. Ensure strategic road and rail connectivity, both within Somerset and through the country to the south west peninsula.

6. Promote business confidence and growth.

33 Projects like gully-emptying and drain jetting have been taking place in the Somerset West and Taunton area. The budget of Somerset County Council only allows the jetting when blockages occur, with the SRAs added budget more preventative maintenance can be carried out.

In Autumn of this year people across Somerset will be asked for their views about what should be done to give more protection from flooding in the county.