A Freedom of Information request has exposed the truth that The Environment Agency has been pulling maintenance funding from the rivers that protect our homes, our land, and our roads. On 15th of July, the Government publishes its flood funding figures. Before they land, we are telling it plainly. West Somerset's rivers must be funded.
The Environment Agency's records show routine maintenance on the Avill, the Aller, Horner Water and the Washford River has been run down for years. On most of these rivers, the last routine weed control was carried out in 2022. Spending on the Washford River has fallen by around 90 per cent since 2016. Now the Agency has written to residents to consult on plans to stop work on the Washford, the Traphole Stream and other West Somerset watercourses to save money.
Sign the letter and stand with the residents who are repeatedly being flooded and the hours lost on flooded roads.
Dear Chief Executive of the Environment Agency is Philip Duffy
We call on the Environment Agency and the Government to protect homes, roads and businesses by
- Restoring routine maintenance funding to West Somerset's rivers and commit to it for the long term.
- Reversing the withdrawal from the Avill, the Aller, Horner Water, the Washford, the Traphole Stream and every affected watercourse.
- Finally, to stop passing the cost and the risk to landowners and residents who cannot carry it.
Kind regards
James Wright & residents
