The Environment Agency is starting work this week on a permanent flood defence scheme for Westonzoyland in Somerset.
The Agency has been working closely on the design with the local community over the past few months, particularly those residents most affected by flooding. After listening to their views, it has finalised the details of a new permanent defence to replace the temporary defence installed last winter.
The access road will be built this week followed by construction of the new sheet piled wall, which will sit approximately 1 metre away from existing garden boundaries. The top of the sheet piles will provide a functional flood defence while finishing works are completed.
Chris Smith for the Environment Agency said:
“We plan to have a flood defence in place ahead of the winter. After this, we will install anchor piles and improve the visual appearance. Final detail of this will be shared with the residents nearer the time.”
However, Chris Smith added it was unlikely that the Agency would complete all works and leave the site before December.
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