Key flood defence upgrade proposed to cut risk

Widening Highbridge Clyce is among a number of proposals

A key flood defence in a town could be upgraded to cut the risk of flooding in communities further inland.

The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) wants to widen Highbridge Clyce as part of a wider series of measures designed to reduce flood risk upstream from the River Brue.

The clyce is built across the River Brue at the end of Clyce Road, in Highbridge, and it prevents saltwater from the Bristol Channel from moving upstream and bursting the river's banks during high tides.

The work would "reduce pinch points within the river channel", said Andy Wallis, a consultant at AW Water Engineering at a Somerset Rivers Authority meeting on 12 September.

The majority of the river's catchment is very close to sea level, making large parts prone to flooding particularly after periods of heavy rain such as in September 2023, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The SRA board met on 12 September to agree a series of aspirations to help improve the River Brue.

These include, within the next five to 10 years, reducing the amount of water held in the Huntspill River which could "provide some significant flooding benefit" and creating a floodplain water storage facility.

No final decision has been made on whether any will go ahead.

Mr Wallis said: "This work is based primarily on the removal of pinch points within the river channel, caused by localised encroachment, bank slumps and vegetation growth rather than wider-scale de-silting, but this will be informed by updated survey data."

He added: "There is also the option to divert more flow into the South Drain during flood events which may benefit other parts of the lowland Brue catchment while also providing environmental improvements."

A further update is expected at the SRA's next meeting on 5 December.