VILLAGERS in Nynehead have launched a protest campaign over persistent flooding of roads in the area near Wellington.

Seventy residents expressed concerns about the impact of frequent flooding on village roads, highlighting increasing levels of disruption and risk.

They have written to Somerset Council leader Cllr Bill Revans and MP Rachel Gilmour after dozens of homes were left without recycling collections as recent flooding blocked access roads.

They said four out of the five roads into Nynehead could at the same time be blocked by floods and stranded vehicles.

The River Tone frequently bursts its banks and flood roads and fields around the Nynehead area.
The River Tone frequently bursts its banks and floods roads and fields around the Nynehead area. (Contributed)

The letter said: “Residents in Nynehead, Tone Green, and the surrounding areas routinely experience flooding due to drains/roadside ditches becoming blocked, rendering key routes unpassable.

“Many of us have contacted the council individually about flooding and the clearing of drains, with variable responses over the years, yet the flooding continues.

“Climate impacts appear to have made flooding more frequent and widespread, causing disruption to businesses and residents alike.”

Even 20 mph can be dangerous on roads which frequently flood in the Nynehead area.
Even 20 mph can be dangerous on roads which frequently flood in the Nynehead area. (Contributed)

The letter acknowledged there had been a ‘noticeable and very welcome improvement when drains have been well maintained’, but continued frequent flooding was ‘not only a nuisance, but brings with it serious risks’.

Among the risks identified were:

  • Preventing or delaying emergency vehicles from attending life-threatening incidents
  • Ongoing Tone Green flooding on the road from East Nynehead to Bradford on Tone, where residents said the council suggested it may be several weeks, or months, before it can be resolved
  • Damage to road surfaces creating potholes and posing hazards to bikes, cars, and pedestrians with no public transport available, meaning residents rely on personal vehicles
  • Disruption to bin collections, meaning residents are left with ‘languishing waste attracting vermin’

The letter concluded that Nynehead residents regularly reported their concerns to the council, ‘yet, proactive means to prevent or eliminate floods do not appear to be forthcoming’.