Meeting documents

The Committee are to discussed the Updates.

The Panel received a report from David Mitchell, Somerset Rivers Authority, which provided an update on the latest position with regard to some key projects. The Panel noted that key projects are projects regularly reported on to the SRA Board and which are usually of a larger scale and value and the report provided an overview of project progress, significant changes or risks that have occurred since the previous Scrutiny Panel meeting on 31st January 2020, covering the following matters:-

Oath to Barrowbridge Dredging – it was noted that work continues to monitor the effects of the dredge to determine whether any further environmental mitigations are required.

Bridgwater Tidal Barrier – it was noted that the decision on the Transport and Works Order (TWAO) is ultimately taken by the Secretary of State following consideration of any representations made.  A list of the problems encountered will be shared outside of this meeting. An estimate of current project timeline is:

Sowy/King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) Enhancement Scheme – noted that the project is working to a very tight timeline. Delivering projects in and around the highly designated environmental sites of the Somerset Levels and Moors is extremely challenging. The project team and SRA partners are working hard to ensure the project is delivered.

Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviations Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS)

At the end of January 2020, the SRA Board confirmed its ongoing support for TSFAIS and its wider objectives, subject to the condition that any interventions made as part of the Scheme must have no significant impact downstream of Taunton.

In February 2020, a Full Council meeting of Somerset West and Taunton agreed to prioritise three initial local interventions. These are:

1.     Optimising flood water storage at Longrun Meadow through building 1500 metres of raised embankments up to 1.8 metres high. This will benefit 687 properties.

2.     Raising low spots in the River Tone’s flood defences from Frieze Hill to Town Bridge. This will benefit 508 homes, businesses and facilities such as the police station and council offices, BT exchange and French Weir surgery, plus the A3027 and A3088.

3.     Raising Firepool Lock gates to prevent River Tone floodwater entering the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal at Firepool, which reduces the risks of overtopping into Maiden’s Brook and then Allen’s Brook in Bathpool, and also raising 750metres of River Tone defences between Firepool Lock and the A358 Obridge Viaduct. This will benefit 219 properties.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has £6m put aside for building projects 1and 2. Further funding for project 3, and other TSFAIS elements, is being sought.  In March 2020, as part of the SRA’s budget and Enhanced Programme of works for 2020-21, the SRA Board agreed to put £300,000 towards the detailed design and delivery of the three interventions listed above.

The Panel was advised that additional information on the matters reported are also contained in the draft Annual Report.

Agreed: -

That the latest position with key SRA projects be noted.