Flood relief scheme to protect Taunton

News that Somerset Council is working in partnership with the Environment Agency to deliver a £6 million flood alleviation project to help protect homes and businesses in Taunton from flooding has been welcomed by the local ward councillor.

The improved flood defences along two stretches of the River Tone bank in the North Town area of Taunton will provide increased protection to hundreds of homes.

It will also ensure reduced flood risk to key sections of the A3027, including Bridge Street, Staplegrove Road and Station Road, and vital buildings and services like North Town Primary School, the Police Station, swimming pool, Town Council and sheltered housing in the area.

The work will also protect both the Greenbrook Terrace and Wood Street regeneration sites and enable continued redevelopment of Firepool.

Lib Dem Cllr Caroline Ellis, who represents the area on Somerset Council, said: "This is vital protection for our residents and businesses in Taunton’s North Town along the banks of the River Tone.

"Over 700 families will have their homes better protected from flooding as well as our school and shops, restaurants and businesses on Bridge Street and Station Road and a lot of sheltered and supported housing.

"It is also vital for the wider Taunton economy including key town centre development areas like Firepool and the former Poundstretcher site.

"I’m really pleased on behalf of local residents that our LibDem team on Somerset Council have found a way to push ahead with this crucial project for the area, despite the tough financial climate and the increasing costs of the care budget.”

Taunton’s MP Gideon Amos added: “Another major flood event in Taunton is not a risk that should be countenanced.

"I’ve been working with the council and the Environment Agency to support more flood protection for the town so it’s great to see the councillor team I work with making this important scheme happen, one that is hugely important for local businesses.”

Somerset Council’s Executive Committee has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the project with the flood defences part of the wider Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation and Improvements Scheme.

Work began on the scheme prior to the formation of the new council in 2023, a partnership between the former district and county council along with the Environment Agency.

The Executive has now rubber-stamped this phase of the scheme and the hope is that work, which will see a reinforced concrete flood wall built on key sections of the left bank of the River Tone, can start in 2026.

The concrete will be finished with brick to fit in with homes and design of the existing flood protection in the local area.

The scheme is entirely funded by external sources, including Defra, the Somerset Rivers Authority and Homes England.