SRA Annual Report 2024-25: Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS)
The main purpose of Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS) is to reduce flood risks to 1,031 properties arising from the River Tone and its complex network of tributaries.
The SRA made contributions to TSFAIS between 2016-17 and 2020-21, including £65,000 of Growth Deal funding which came to the SRA via the now-defunct Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.
During 2024-25, Somerset Council and the Environment Agency concentrated on one TSFAIS project: River Tone Left Bank Flood Defences – raising low spots from Frieze Hill to Town Bridge.
Revised outline designs were completed in December 2024, after engagement and consultation with other SRA partners (Wessex Water, Natural England), landowners, the public, and organisations including National Grid, BT, and Wales & West Utilities.
It is generally agreed that special attention should be paid to areas where existing flood defences offer the lowest levels of protection, next to Clarence Street and the BT Exchange, and the former Poundstretcher site.
Work has therefore now started on detailed designs for these two areas, in liaison with National Grid, BT, property developers and property owners.
Sessions have been held with local people, for example at North Town Primary School (which will benefit from works being delivered).