SRA Annual Report 2021-22: River Sheppey catchment action plan
Somerset Rivers Authority awarded Mendip District Council funding for a study of the catchments of Croscombe and Shepton Mallet, after flooding there in October 2020. Twenty-six properties flooded internally and many roads including the A371 were submerged and made impassable. SRA partners’ aim is to understand more about how flooding arises, so that plans can be devised for reducing flood risks and making places more resilient to flooding.
Information about flooding problems in Croscombe, Shepton Mallet and places in-between such as Bowlish is being reviewed by Mendip’s flood risk consultant working together with other SRA partners and contractors. Local people and organisations are being consulted. Surveys have begun.
In December 2021, CCTV surveys were carried out in Croscombe along with drainage maintenance activities such as vegetation clearance and jetting. More work is being planned for the second half of 2022.
In February and March 2022, surveys focused on Collett Park, Coombe Lane culvert, Little Brooks Lane and the grounds of Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet. Despite some difficulties with access, because of debris or the way structures were designed, a lot was learned. The drainage network around Little Brooks Lane, for example, is not what was expected. The surveys identified some locations where repairs are needed.
Further investigations are planned for other parts of Shepton Mallet including Leg Square, Martins Lane and St Peter’s Road. Some areas will require jetting and the use of a gully sucker. Costed plans for action are expected by the end of 2022.