SRA Annual Report 2024-25: Grants for training and equipment
Six grants for flood-related training and equipment were funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) in 2024-25. These grants were awarded through the Somerset Prepared partnership, which includes the SRA. Applicants pay 20% of the total costs of a project: an SRA grant covers the remaining 80%.
Grants were given in 2024-25 to:
Greinton Parish Council, for a 50-metre (165 feet) drain inspection system, with an HD camera and a distance counter to locate drain blockages. The system is operated by local volunteers. They gather evidence, which the parish council then reports to relevant authorities (such as Somerset Council’s highways department). The main aims are to save on the cost of employing contractors, get blockages cleared more quickly, and so reduce flood risks. It’s one of a series of moves being made by Greinton Parish Council. The council’s bid was developed in discussion with Somerset Council’s Flood and Coastal Team.
Greinton Parish Council is open to requests from other communities to borrow this drain inspection equipment.
Pitcombe Parish Council, for flood protection equipment. Pitcombe was hit by flooding in May 2023.
Rotary International, for flood sacks and other household flood protection equipment for distribution by volunteers to vulnerable householders across Somerset.
Somerset Prepared, for the hire of a Flood Mobile by Mary Long-Dhonau (‘Flood Mary’) at the annual Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Conference, which was held in Bridgwater in November 2024.
Three Villages Flood Group (Mudford Chilton Cantelo & Ashford), for hi-viz gear (modelled at the bottom of this page), head torches, and first aid kits for new flood wardens.
Wedmore Parish Council, for flood kits, walkie talkies, Personal Protective Equipment, and emergency lighting. (A defibrillator was separately funded). Wedmore updated its emergency plan in 2024; this equipment will help to improve its flood preparedness.
