Further to recent exceptional rainfall causing silt run-off from the fields above Bush, and resulting in significant damage to several properties, the Parish Council has formed a working group to better understand how and why such issues occur, and how we as a Parish might address/mitigate the effects. Members of the working group are Alan Cable, Josh Schwieso, Mike Hodson, David Jeanes and Philip Ham.
There is no simple solution – flooding and silt run-off affects different properties at different times, and at the moment we have insufficient information with which to build a picture of the risks and possible mitigations.
It has been suggested that the recent occurrence might have been caused by ‘rogue’ farming practices, but it is important to understand that normal, modern faming practices were adhered to and nothing untoward took place. However, local farmers can definitely play a part in mitigating the effects of modern farming practices, as can Somerset Council and land owners in their management of ditches, drains and gullies.
The Chair of our working group – Alan Cable – will be meeting with local people, including farmers, in the coming weeks and would like to hear from anyone who would like to have input. His phone number is 01278 671344 and his email address is alanhornergroup@gmail.com.
Flooding – November 2023
We have received the following from the Environment Agency:
Good afternoon,
Following the widespread effects of Storm Ciarán both on the coast and inland, we would like to stress the importance of reporting flooding. If your home or business has flooded, please make sure you report it as soon as you are able to. There are lots of reasons why you should report flooding, most importantly so authorities and agencies can respond to close roads, unblock gullies, and provide an emergency response if required.
While we do have a significant number of staff out on the ground, due to the scale of the event we are unable to cover all areas. We are seeking to build a comprehensive picture of impacts across Wessex so we would be very grateful if you could provide any available information regarding flooding in your area with as much detail as possible on timing and location. Please report online using the Flood Online Reporting Tool or you can respond directly to this email address with any photo or video attachments. You can also contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. In an emergency please dial 999.
Useful information includes:
- Residential and commercial properties that are known to have flooded
- Road, rail or other transport infrastructure affected
- Any photos or videos of the above and inundated areas of floodplains
Find out more Blog: The Importance of Reporting Flooding | The Flood Hub
Our advice to the public is to:
- Stay safe and not enter floodwater.
- Stay away from seafronts, quaysides and jetties, due to the risk of overtopping by waves.
- Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for updates on flooding, to sign up for flood warnings, or to report flooding.
- Go to the Gov.uk website or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood.
- Sign up for Flood Warnings
- Visit the Environment Agency website www.gov.uk/environment-agency which contains information on current river levels and flooding
- Follow us on X, formerly known as @EnvAgencySW
- Visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/environmentagencywessex
Many thanks,
Intelligence and Reporting
Flood and Coastal Risk Management | Wessex
Environment Agency | Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 4YS