Views sought on Bridgwater tidal barrier on River Parrett

The Bridgwater tidal barrier is yet to be designed but could look something like this

People living near a proposed tidal barrier to reduce the risk of flooding in Somerset have been asked for their views on where it should be located.

The five potential sites are on the River Parrett - one at Dunball and four others further upstream at Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor District Council, said it was looking at "the environmental impact and building practicalities".

The council is working together with the Environment Agency and said it is "committed" to it being built by 2024.

Three years ago large parts of the Somerset Levels were deluged, forcing hundreds of people to be evacuated from their homes.

Sedgemoor District Council said the tidal barrier designs would not be drawn up until the locations were defined as the "ground conditions are different on each site".

Large parts of the Somerset Levels, including villages like Burrowbridge, were flooded three years ago

Nick Tait, from the council, said: "It needs to work in terms of flood defence, that's its most important function but we're also looking at the opportunities that flood defences will provide for Bridgwater to continue to grow.

"We need to look at the impact it has on the environment and also the practicalities of building it in some of these locations.

He added they still needed to get the "necessary permissions" which could "effectively require going through an Act of Parliament".

The open consultation exhibition takes place at Bridgwater Arts Centre between 14:00 and 19:00 BST.

A further consultation is scheduled for the morning of 24 September at the Angel Place Shopping Centre.