Somerset Road Faces Loss Without Urgent Pump Fix

A critical road serving the Somerset Levels is at significant risk of being lost due to inadequate flood defences, local councillors have warned. The village of Muchelney experienced severe isolation in 2014, being cut off for approximately 10 weeks when all access routes were submerged.

In response, a 500m stretch of the main road into Muchelney was elevated in 2015 to create a permanent causeway. However, a recent near-flood event saw water levels come perilously close to the top of this raised section, prompting calls for more robust solutions.

Councillor Mike Stanton emphasized the need for permanent pumps, noting that 10 years of climate change and increased rainfall have strained existing infrastructure. He stated that flood events are occurring with alarming frequency, shifting from once every 50 years to as often as every two years.

Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport, echoed these concerns, highlighting that if the Drayton-Muchelney road is cut off, Muchelney would once again become an island. Both councillors are advocating strongly for the Environment Agency to implement more permanent pumping solutions.

The government has confirmed a review into the year-round activation of pumps to prevent future flooding in Somerset. Floods Minister Emma Hardy indicated that decisions on new pumps are ongoing and an answer is expected in the coming weeks.