Somerset: Have Your Say On Flooding

25 November 2013, 15:37 | Updated: 25 November 2013, 15:40

People in Somerset are getting the chance to have their say on plans to manage the risk of flooding in the county.

The Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out the approach Somerset County Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority, proposes to take to limit the impacts of flooding across the county. 

Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr David Hall, said: ''This is a good opportunity for members of the public to get involved by providing their feedback on draft plans to help to minimise the potentially devastating effects of flooding in the County. 

''We can't guarantee that Somerset won't face flooding again but we are putting robust plans in place to deal with the effects in a co-ordinated manner should we face the levels of flooding we have in recent years.'' 

Produced by Somerset County Council with input from the district and borough councils, the Environment Agency, water and sewerage companies, and the Internal Drainage Boards, the strategy outlines who is responsible for clearing gullies, watercourses and managing surface water and groundwater, as well as helping members of the public to manage their own flood risk. 

The final strategy will add to the measures Somerset County Council has already taken to combat flooding in the County, including the £200,000 Flood Mitigation Fund, £300,000 for dredging and £50,000 provided to help victims of floods earlier this year. 

People can provide their feedback an all aspects of the strategy with the information gathered and being fed into the final version of the 'Flood Risk Management Strategy'. 

View the draft strategy and complete the on-line questionnaire here. The consultation closes on 23 December with a final draft going to Cabinet for approval on 5 February 2014.