WORK on a scheme worth up to £1 million to strengthen Chard Reservoir’s barrier is set to begin.

The project involves building a low wall along one section of the reservoir to reduce the risk of the reservoir failing, which would put the surrounding communities at risk.

Somerset Council has budgeted up to £831,000 for the work, with a further £160,000 held for contingencies, having awarded the contract to construction firm, Kier.

Currently, the council said the chance of flood waters overflowing and leading to failure of the dam in any given year is approximately 1 in 5,000.

With the wall in place, this chance reduces to about 1 in 400,000.

The scheme will be phased with work on culverts taking place before Christmas, with the wall and stabilisation works likely to start in the new year.

Cllr Graham Oakes, executive lead member for public health, climate change and environment, said: “This is a crucial project that will significantly reduce the risk of the reservoir dam failing. I am grateful to our partners for their support and to Somerset Rivers Authority for its significant contribution.”

Cllr Mike Stanton, chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said: “SRA involvement in this scheme means it’s about more than warding off dam failure. Because the SRA’s core purpose is to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding, the SRA is funding a substantial level of extra work to increase the reservoir’s emergency capacity.

“This will decrease flood risks to nearly 1,000 properties and it will benefit a wide area from Chard down to Muchelney.

“For example, being able to hold back more water before it gets to the River Isle should help to reduce flooding of the A358 at Donyatt, which happened several times in 2023. So I welcome this extra work happening soon.”

Chard Reservoir was owned by South Somerset District Council until the unitary Somerset Council came into being in April 2023.

The need for the wall was identified during an independent safety audit and is a legal requirement under the Reservoirs Safety Act. Specialist engineers Stillwater Associates are designing the scheme before contractor Kier carries out the works.

A full ecological survey has been undertaken and wildlife in the area will be monitored throughout the duration of the work.

The council said a small number of self-seeded trees along the dam’s crest will have to be removed or reduced, as they are in the line of the new dam wall.

Some trees are due to be reduced due to ash dieback and have been added to the schedule of tree works by the local Countryside Team and are part of the ongoing maintenance of the site.

Chaffcombe Lane will remain open to allow residents and businesses access, but traffic lights will be in operation while the work is carried out.

During the work, people will still be able to visit and to fish, although the Anglers’ car park will be closed, with the Oakland Avenue car park staying open.