THE installation of permanent pumps on the Somerset Levels to tackle flooding as it happens is to be considered by the government.

Following a visit to the county, Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy (Lab, Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice), has said the flood response in the county would be reviewed – with permanent pumps considered for high-risk areas.

MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) secured a visit from the minister earlier this month, to witness the “devastation” following Storm Chandra.

And she welcomed the commitment to look at how the Environment Agency responds to flooding in the county.

“The minister had originally committed to visiting in spring, but after my repeated calls the visit was brought forward so she could observe the impact of floodwater before it had the chance to recede,” Ms Dye said.

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“In order to fully recognise the scope of this crisis, the minister needed to see the reality of what my constituents are reckoning with currently: properties flooded, farmland underwater, and livelihoods upturned.

“The Government’s assumptions that our flood defences can run on a shoestring budget are incorrect, but this visit was a step in the right direction.

“I had constructive conversations with the minister about collaboration between agencies and investment in cost-effective flood preparedness, including prevention and nature-based solutions.

“I am pleased that she has committed to a review of water level management in Somerset, and I will keep pushing to ensure these commitments translate into action.”

MP Sarah Dyke, Flooding Minister Emma Hardy and Somerset residents in Muchelney

Meanwhile, calls from the Somerset MP to reconsider the withdrawal of funding for main river maintenance in the county, the minister also acknowledged riparian landowners were not fully consulted before the decision was made, and has reopened a public consultation to allow them to share their views.

“I am very pleased that the consultation into main river maintenance funding has been reopened,” Ms Dyke went on.

“This is good news for riparian owners across Somerset, who don’t have the time, equipment, or funding to manage our rivers properly, and were not given the opportunity to express their concerns to the Environment Agency prior to the withdrawal of funding.

“The Government should have learned the lessons from the devastating floods of 2013/2014 and recognise that their decision to slash main river maintenance funding will cause a dangerous and unnecessary increase in flood risk at a time where Somerset is seeing extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe.

“Should the reopened consultation recommend that responsibility for river maintenance lies with riparian owners, I will push the Government to put the requisite support in place to allow them to carry out this maintenance thoroughly.”

READ MORE: Environment news from your Somerset Leveller