SOUTH Somerset Council will be holding a meeting for local communities, to provide reassurance and information on flooding as the winter approaches.

It is one of several district meetings being held around Somerset as part of the 20 Year Flood Action Plan, set up after the extreme floods last winter, at the Government's request.

The meeting will be held on November 24 at the Huish Episcopi Academy Sixth Form Auditorium in Langport from 7-9pm.

The meeting will include: •

  • A talk on the Environment Agency's Trigger Points document explaining what, when and why operational decisions would be taken locally in extraordinary flood conditions •
  • A look at the work of the Flood Action Plan, with a particular focus on County Highways projects in this district; on the Environment Agency's asset repairs (such as river banks and pumping stations), dredging and more; on the proposed Somerset Rivers Authority •
  • An opportunity to talk to people involved in community flood plans, insurance issues, the Environment Agency, grants, rescue services, Highways, and more.

Cllr Ric Pallister, leader of South Somerset Council said, “A lot has happened since the disastrous events of last winter and much work is still going on.

“Whilst there is a continuous dialogue with individual households and communities directly affected by the flooding, this briefing is an opportunity for the broader community to understand what has changed, what flood prevention measures have been put in place and what will now be different should we experience similar conditions across South Somerset in the future”.