FLOODING is an ever present concern for many people across Somerset, and particularly here in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency which is especially vulnerable, with low lying land and river catchments that can become overwhelmed very quickly when prolonged and heavy rain sets in.

After storm Chandra, we saw the Currymoor Flood Storage area fill in just four days, which normally takes 10 – a situation the Environment Agency told me was unprecedented. Indeed, my inbox has been full of correspondence from constituents who have told me how anxious they feel whenever more rain is forecast, knowing how saturated the ground already is.

Last week I was out across the constituency speaking directly to residents and businesses affected by flooding. I saw first hand damaged homes, heard about disrupted livelihoods and the emotional toll that repeated flooding takes.

Unfortunately, there is more rain expected and it will not take much for problems to return as the rain water has nowhere to go, so I would urge everyone to stay alert and be prepared. Keep an eye on my social media pages for timely updates and more resources.

What frustrates me deeply is that too often communities at risk of flooding feel left to fend for themselves. I have long called for resources and funding to be made available to support community extreme weather plans and will continue to help drive flood-preparedness forward locally.

Later this month I will be convening a flooding event here in Somerset, bringing together residents and key partners and stakeholders including: Somerset Council, the Internal Drainage Board, the Somerset Rivers Authority and FWAG.

The aim is to share advice, listen to lived experience and work collaboratively on practical solutions that can help build flood resilience and better protect our communities in Glastonbury and Somerton.

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I have consistently been pushing the Government for action: holding them to account in Parliament and writing to the Minister to invite her to visit and see for herself, which I’m glad she’s accepted, but not until the spring.

I will be taking everything I heard from constituents last week back to the relevant agencies and to Westminster.

And I will continue pressing the Government to properly fund flood resilience, long term land management, local authorities and especially the Environment Agency to treat flooding with the urgency it deserves.

I am particularly concerned about the Environment Agency’s recent decision to remove funding for main river management, and instead, put the responsibility on individual riparian owners, who often lack the skills or resources and can ill-afford to complete this vital flood preventing work.

Somerset will always be at the forefront of climate change and at risk of flooding, but with the right planning, investment and joined-up working, we can reduce the risks and help people feel safer in their homes. I will keep fighting to make sure Somerset gets the support it deserves.

As always, I want to hear from you. If you would like to share your views, have an issue I can help with, or wish to register your interest to attend one of my regular advice surgeries, please don’t hesitate to contact me on sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk.

READ MORE: Politics news from your Somerset Leveller