SRA Annual Report 2021-22: Rimpton and Marston Magna study
Records show that 18 properties and several roads in the South Somerset village of Rimpton have been affected by flooding, while roads suffering in nearby Marston Magna include the A359. One common factor is the Mill Stream, which flows west through Rimpton and then alongside and under the A359 in Marston Magna, near the church and village hall.
Somerset Rivers Authority therefore agreed to fund a survey of the Mill Stream catchment, to identify improvements and strategies that would reduce flood risks to people’s homes and local roads. Somerset County Council’s Highways Department commissioned consultants WSP. They reviewed all publicly-available information about relevant matters, and consulted officers from Somerset County Council (SCC, as the Lead Local Flood Authority) and the Parrett Internal Drainage Board (IDB). A WSP site visit with SCC and IDB representatives focused particularly on watercourses and structural controls such as bridges and culverts.
A report was produced with six appendices, making 97 pages in total. Three options for improvements were recommended for Rimpton, five for Marston Magna (with two further possibilities there, depending upon the results of monitoring). The suggested options cover matters such as dredging and de-silting, infrastructure replacement and installation, and creating flood storage and flood diversion features.
WSP also stressed the importance of regular maintenance. All options are now being considered by Somerset County Council.