GROUPS working to reduce the risk and impact of flooding have welcomed Government investment of £13million for works as part of Somerset Flood Action Plan.

The Growth Fund money awarded to the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership includes £3.55million for flooding alleviation works in 2015/16 and £9.5million for future years.

The planned works include increasing the capacity of the Sowy, land management and further dredging.

Cllr John Osman, chairman of the Leaders Implementation Group and leader of Somerset County Council, said: “Without the money we cannot make the plan a reality and this considerable sum will allow many things to move forward.

“The actions in the plan cannot stop flooding, but they can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of flooding and we want to drive the work forwards as soon as we can.”

The Flood Action Plan, being delivered by a range of agencies coordinated by the council, will guide water and land management policies and investment on the Levels and Moors for the next 20 years.